The Cottonwood City Council passed the annual appropriation ordinance and also passed an ordinance calling for a bond election at the August meeting Monday, August 14.
The appropriation ordinance is the budget approval.
The bond election will be held on November 7, 2023, seeking up to $5 million in revenue bonds as a match to grant funding for the proposed wastewater project.
The council also approved a grant writing and administration contract with CEDA to seek funding for the well pump replacement and an upcoming proposed water project.
A contract for Geo Technical Analysis has been approved as well. This is one of the early phases of the wastewater project that can be taken care of now so that the main project can get going in 2025. City attorney Joe Wright had some issues with language in the contract and this was approved pending the engineers agreeing to the changes.
The city’s fee schedule was discussed and even though water commissioner Debby O’Neill had recommended a 4% increase in water fees to cover expenses, it was decided to leave the fees unchanged at this time.
A list of surplus property was approved for going out for bids.
The pasture land above the Wimer ballfields received 2 bids but one was then withdrawn leaving Donn Clark as the sole bidder with a bid of $108 per year. His bid was approved by the Council.
In the reports Police Chief Terry Cochran reported that Officer Rambo’s vehicle is now ready to go. He commended all involved in getting things set up in case of flooding during the last big rain shower. Mayor Keith Holcomb said he would like to be able to do something to thank NICI for their assistance.
In the water report the city pumped 3.77 million gallons and sold 3.52 million gallons for a loss of just 4.35%.
In the sewer report city maintenance supervisor Pat Enneking said they want to do some testing on the treatment quadrants when they can.
Kristine Holthaus reported the chip sealing work is done on the city streets.
Linda Nida reported work on installing the new playground equipment is set to start on August 22.  Pavilion work is on hold for the plumbing to get done. They have worked to get the rebar sticking up from the pavilion foundation as a safety measure during the fair.
Nothing to report from the Airport.
The Fire Department had just 1 call, for a vehicle accident.
No action was taken on the St. John Bosco water/sewer agreement as they had not received any feedback on the last proposal.
At a special meeting on July 13 the council approved a general water engineering contract with JUB Engineers. Adam Rushald was introduced to the council at Monday’s meeting as the lead engineer.
Also at the special meeting on July 13 it was reported the pump on well #2 is beyond repair. A video of the well was to be done last week but didn’t get done because the company that was to do it had their equipment stolen. That same company is also able to do a pump test once they get the video done.
At a special meeting on July 19 it was decided to pursue a bond election for the wastewater/NRCS project. A DEQ Grant/Loan comprising $27 million in funding which includes a $20 million grant and a $7.4 million loan package with up to $2.9 million principal forgiveness. The city decided to seek a bond to cover the remainder of the loan package.
Also at the July 19 meeting City Clerk Lynn Thompson presented information on employee insurance packages. It was decided to pursue III-A’s plan and drop Blue Cross. III-A’s health care plan was approved at Monday’s meeting.
The council meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.