BLEVINS – The Blevins City Council meeting was called to order by the mayor on August 4th at 7:00 PM. Board members present, Barbara Patterson, Jon Howell, and Eric Smith and Kimberly Torres. Councilman Cassidy recently passed away. There is local memorial service but will be held in Illinois where other family members are located. Lisa Arbour, Recorder/Treasurer was present. An opening prayer was offered by Barbara Patterson.
The previous meeting minutes for June were read by the treasurer and accepted. There were no minutes for July since quorum wasn’t met. The financial report was presented and discussed at length, clarifying various expenses and approved. There was several water adjustments from old, closed delinquent accounts.
The recent passing of Councilman Cassidy left a vacancy on the board. Bruce Graham was appointed to fill out the term.
Old Business
Some needed road signs were ordered by the city and have arrived. Work is being scheduled to get those installed.
Sewer remediation project progresses. A meeting was held with OWN Engineering, the mayor, water operator and J.J. Bonner. This was to discuss the proposed new route for the sanitized discharge to Ozan Creek. Final details to be determined. The city is grateful to MR. Bonner for his willingness to work with us on this project.
ARDOT informed the mayor that the street overlay project was pushed out until 2027. Culverts have been replaced at the end of Campbell Street and Hwy 29, to prevent water back up and ponding.
Sewer right of way needs were discussed, and a load of gravel was voted on and approved for delivery. Eric Smith volunteered to spread it. Additional repairs to replace an access gate damaged by a tree fall will be replaced as well and installed by volunteers, Eric Smith and Bruce Graham.
The mayor and water operator are working to renew the Unique Entity Identifier for SAM.gov. The UEI is required to receive government grants and loans and the process is arduous. A $649 fee was voted on and approved for a Processing Agent if required if, other no cost options could not produce a satisfactory outcome in the required time frame.
New Business
After the Blevins School Superintendent contacted the mayor a few weeks ago, it was brought to light that the property that is known as the “Stephens Well” is on property owned by the Blevins School District. The deed on file at Hempstead County Assessor and Circuit Clerk confirms that. The mayor is gathering data on all properties in the city’s possession. Further research and discussion between the Mayor and the School Board will be needed. The mayor will be contacting the school to schedule a meeting and is looking forward to an amenable, mutually beneficial resolution to this matter.
On other city property it was determined that a separate bank account for the cemetery fund is not required. This was confirmed by an auditor during a recent audit. This will aid in managing what has been a dormant account. These funds will be a line item on the general account. Passed by a unanimous vote of the council.
Councilman Smith raised concerns about contractor liability insurance certificates. No certificates of insurance could be produced at the time of the meeting. A motion was brought to suspend all contractor work until certificates were on file at city hall. The motion passed with Jon Howell dissenting. The mayor will be contacting the contractors to get certificates on file.
There was discussion of whether or not the meter reader position was a contracted or city employee. At the meeting it was assumed that position was contracted. (It was confirmed, AFTER the meeting that the meter reader position is a city employee position)
Steve Burke, proprietor of the Hornet Hut inquired about having access across city property for a new parking area when the new restaurant building goes up. Jon Howell stated it may be a previous alley. Research will have to be done to determine that property ownership. before proceeding.
There was a brief discussion of previous road work done and cost incurred for materials. Other discussion surrounded vehicle damage to VFD, personal vehicle and the cost that was covered by the mayor and not the city, nor the contractor. There was a brief discussion about the city mowing the very small yard where the county road grader is parked to the mutual benefit of the city and county.
Meeting adjourned
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be September 1st at 7:00 pm.