After receiving the OK from city attorney Peter Olson to move along with the contract, the council also received a second bid after requests for options. However, this comes after the city approved to establish a contract with Allied Waste, which would outsource curbside solid waste collection at $10.89 per resident, per month. The contract, however, may be rescinded should the council decide to hear from the second proposal and action could be taken at their regular meeting next week.
Mayor Ron Casey moved forward through the meeting with updates on matters and purchases for city improvements. Utilizing funds from the 2007 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, the city could purchase new playground equipment in two pieces -- one for children ages 2 to 5 years old and one for older children ages 5 and up. Two small basketball goals also may be purchased and a covered pavilion may be constructed over the existing concrete pad where the skate park once stood, also from the 2007 funding.
Casey reported to the council that small pieces of equipment the city owns are in need of repair or replacement following a burglary where certain items were stolen. A list of items has been turned into the city's insurance company to cover replacement costs.
As previously discussed, the council reviewed a bid from John Deere on a Gator utility vehicle to be used by the maintenance department. Kingston comprises a one-mile radius, making the Gator a less expensive means of travel, weather and temperature permitting. The estimate received from one of three companies called for bids stands at just under $6,000.
The city also discussed the possibility of purchasing a piece of property along Main Street for the use of the septic tank located on the property as well as future construction of an extra parking lot in close proximity to city hall. Currently, the proposal is only being discussed and may be explored as discussion continues. No action will be taken in the immediate future as the council and mayor continue to discuss where the city stands financially as well as the need for the property.
As the search narrows for a city treasurer, six finalists have been chosen and once two more background checks are returned to the city interviews could begin as early as next week, if not before.
The council will hold their regular meeting Monday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at city hall.