CLAFLIN — Claflin City Council members met via Zoom Monday night. With departmental reports distributed prior to the meeting, the council jumped into actionable business items, approving a building permit and a fencing permit as presented.
While the city was the first in the county to have a confirmed case of COVID-19, the focus of the meeting was business as usual, with no discussion about measures being taken by the city, other than a draft ordinance to allow the city’s bills to be paid in the event a quorum of council persons is not achievable in the near future. Mayor Mike Urban presented the draft ordinance provided by City Attorney Bob Suelter, allowing the city to pay bills only for previously budgeted and appropriated items in the event the council is unable to meet. The proposal was written with the current COVID-19 crisis in mind. It can be rescinded at any time, and will expire at the end of the year.
Councilman Dan Michaelis voiced his approval for the ordinance and the rest of the council agreed. It was adopted as presented.
Public Works Director Richard Hayes received three applications for the two temporary positions for summer help advertised by the city. The council gave the go ahead to interview and hire two workers. Hayes requested moving their start date up to May 1, rather than three weeks later when school was scheduled to be out. While extra funds were not previously budgeted for, the council agreed the extra expense was manageable. Hayes noted the department is behind on work such as tree trimming, concrete and painting work after staff were subjected to quarantine orders earlier in the month.
Pool preparations are another area where temporary help could be utilized. Urban presented a bid for sandblasting and painting the city pool in the amount of $2,200. While the current statewide shutdown has made planning for the opening of the pool uncertain, members agreed the work needs to be completed as planned in order to provide protection from water when it is filled, and the elements when it is not. The baby pool is not included in the estimate, as Hayes assured the council the city maintains it adequately in-house. The council approved the bid and work to begin as soon as possible.
An option to purchase an extended warranty for the new police vehicle concluded with the council and police department agreeing that, with the expected mileage and past performance of other vehicles, the expense was unnecessary. The new police pickup was received earlier in the month and is in use. Lights and radios have been installed, while cage installation is scheduled for later.
Finally, Hayes provided an update on the water and sewer project, noting it was nearly complete. Progress on a lagoon issue, however, has been delayed as Hayes attempts to get in touch with the engineers involved with the project. He will report in May.
