Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008

Oskie council makes moves on lagoon, pool projects

by Kenneth Lassiter

    The Oskaloosa City Council tied up some loose ends on a couple on-going city projects in a short regular meeting Nov. 6.
    City Maintenance Superintendent Bill Heard reported the city’s lagoon sludge removal project was being completed. Council members had gathered for a special meeting Oct. 30 to make arrangements to allow the project to be completed. Heard said both parcels of land used to spread the removed sludge were looking undamaged thus far.
    Some work on the locks between cells was still to be completed, but Heard said he didn’t foresee any other problems.
    Council members also approved a contract with Oasis Pools of Lansing for work at the pool, with some changes to the plans.
    The city had planned to bring in a major leak detection company to track down leaks in the pool prior to having deck work done, but Heard said some research had shown the company to be used usually handles major leaks. All parties agree there isn’t a large leak at the pool. Heard had presented the council with a cheaper leak detection option and council members chose to cancel the work order with the other company.
    Council members approved the contract unanimously.
    Only three council members were present for the meeting, although that was kosher as a charter ordinance changing the quorum back to three members went into effect early this month.
    In other business Nov. 6, the council:
    • Approved the October financial statement and vouchers.
    • Heard a report from Heard. He said the sliplining process proposed as part of the city’s sewer project would be performed Tuesday in Lyndon. He said he would like to see how the process works, with the council’s blessing, and said any other city official could join him for the trip.
    Heard said city maintenance employees had been preparing equipment for winter. He said he had tried to gather all the salt he could going into winter as salt shortages have hit nationwide.
    • Heard a report from City Clerk Patty Hamm. Hamm reported the city had received a 2 percent increase in insurance premiums from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Council members approved the renewal.