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Park playground upgrade/splash pad given go-ahead The group working to get the city park playground equipment updated and also add a splash pad was at the March meeting of the Cottonwood City Council Monday, March 14. The presented the council with renderings of the proposed equipment along with several quotes for the equipment plus installation. It was suggested to go with the underground vault system for recycling the splash pad water rather than an above ground pond. They are looking at putting the splash pad where the current restrooms are located as those will be torn down when the new pavilion/restroom facility is built. The council gave the group a tentative go-ahead so they can start with their fundraising. Mayor Keith Holcomb asked the group to bring in a layout of just how everything will be laid out in respect to the rest of the park. The council amended their agenda to add the park playground issue as an action item before voting on a motion for the go-ahead subject to final approval of the project by the city council. Shawn Kaschmitter, representing Prairie Youth Sports, informed the council of several improvements they would like to make at the Wimer Ballfields. They are looking at building a couple of storage buildings as the storage available now is not sufficient for the equipment they have. They are also looking at setting up a batting cage that could be used by the youth sports as well as the high school softball and baseball teams. They are also looking at having temporary t-ball diamonds there as they have lot of youngsters signed up for t-ball this year and may need the extra diamonds to get games in. District 7 State Senate candidate Cindy Carlson appeared before the council. In reports, Debbie O’Neill reported they pumped 2.13 million gallons of water and sold 1.83 million for a loss of about 14%. A leak near the Riding Club Arena contributed to the loss and has been fixed by the city crew. There was nothing to report from the sewer department. Kristine Holthaus reported that they attended the West Camas Transportation group meeting. They were opening bids for chip sealing and have sought bids for mag chloride. They city doesn’t plan any chipsealing this year but may do mag chloride dust abatement if citizens want it. It may depend on how much the price has risen from last year. Linda Nida reported she has been working on some grant applications for the Park Pavilion project from AARP and Farm Credit Services. She also reported the Fire Station had an issue with their heating system. Holthaus reported that they are working on a grant for a slurry seal at the airport and are looking into doing the runways as well as the approaches and taxiways. She was told by the grant coordinator that there is a lot of extra funding available this year. Nida reported the fire department had their first call for an actual fire in quite some time this past month. Debbie and Joe O’Neill did some driving around town scouting out possible locations for a new fire station. So far they are just gathering information on that. In unfinished business, Lynn Johnson said she looked into taking debit and credit card payments. One system could have tied into the city system and let people see their bill and pay online. She felt that could be very expensive. US Bank offered a program at $20 per month plus 3% surcharge per transaction that can be done through a website by the city clerk. The 3% surcharge would be passed along to the customer at the time of the transaction. Lynn Guyer made a motion to go with the US Bank proposal. Second by O’Neill. Motion carried. In new business Pat Enneking was appointed by Mayor Holcomb to be the new Public Works Supervisor upon the retirement of Roy Uhlenkott. In a related action, a banking resolution was adopted to allow Enneking use of a city credit card for necessary city purchases. The city will also be seeking a full time employee in the public works department to replace an employee who has left. A catering permit was approved for The Hangout for the Cottonwood Summerfest Taco Feed set for April 30 at the Community Hall. The permit will be active from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. An Idaho Commerce Contract-CARES I agreement was approved. This is part of a grant for the Park Pavilion. The City set the annual Spring Community Cleanup to start as soon as they can get a rolloff from Walco and run through June 30. Holcomb informed the council of the CEDA membership business meeting on April 21 at the former Red Lion in Lewiston. The council adjourned to an executive session at 8:30 p.m. to discuss employee pay raises. The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. |
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