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Walker Board of Aldermen hears updates on city's water and sewer issues
The Walker Board of Aldermen meeting, presided over by Mayor Harold Walter, took place on Thursday evening, June 29. The council engaged in discussions with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding their bills, and ultimately approved the payment of said bills. Additionally, two guest speakers, Representative Neal Brady of Bartlett and West, and Financial Advisor/Interim John Benson of D.A. Davidson, addressed the board.
Representative Brady began by providing an update on the city's water and sewer issues. He expressed optimism, stating that progress was being made in relation to the water concerns. Brady emphasized the importance of assessing the condition of past projects to ensure compliance with current standards. He requested a comprehensive map outlining the city's water lines and informed the council that they were eagerly awaiting the signing of contracts with Bartlett and West. Brady proceeded to discuss the sewer conditions, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding potential grants and the need to apply again in March 2024. He revealed that a complete design and upgrade of the sewer system would entail a cost exceeding $665,000. Consequently, he recommended raising water and sewer rates to cover the expenses. The board approved Brady's report, concurring with the information provided.
Following Brady's address, John Benson took the floor. As an intermediary between the city and Bartlett and West, Benson offered his expertise in wealth management, capital markets, investments, banking trust, and asset management strategies. He informed the council that cash expenditures would not be reimbursed. Benson's primary responsibility involved ensuring accurate contractual language, specifically regarding a loan repayment period of 20 years, which could potentially be settled within a year upon the city's approval. The board approved Benson's proposal, allowing the project to progress.
After the guest speaker presentations, the council returned to their regular meeting agenda. They decided to extend the deadline for receiving bids on the Community Building/City Hall Roof repair by one more month, with the intention of attracting additional proposals. The council also approved and accepted bids from MFA Oil and Propane for gas, diesel, and propane supplies for the upcoming year. Furthermore, Brad Decker's bid for rock hauling received approval.
The council agreed to postpone discussions on the Dog Ordinance until the next month's meeting. They expressed dissatisfaction with the current ordinance, considering it insufficient to enforce stricter penalties against violators. However, the council did approve the enviroline proposal for the lift station, contingent upon providing serial numbers and resolving a missing plug issue on the south side of the station. The approved funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) would be allocated for this purpose.
In other matters, the council accepted the offer from St. Mary's Church in Nevada to take possession of the Park Slide and playground equipment. They also approved revised rental fees for the Community Building, effective from July 1, with rates set at $50.00 for a full day and $30.00 for four hours or less, along with a prior day set-up fee. The council adopted the amended 2022-23 budget, reviewing actual income expenditures as of June 30, 2023, and introduced the 2023-24 Fiscal Year (FY) budget for consideration. Lastly, the council agreed to table discussions on the current water and sewer rates until the next meeting.
Mayor Walter concluded the meeting by allowing each council member to express any comments or concerns. Alderman Clint Swope advocated for more frequent trash collection in the park during the summer months, which the council agreed upon, opting for a weekly schedule.
Swope also announced that the next Ozark Harvest Food drive was scheduled for July 18.
Finally, the council approved the motion to adjourn the meeting, with the next meeting slated for July 31.