Approximately a dozen people were in attendance at Monday evening’s City Council meeting. The five councilmembers and city manager worked though their agenda in 25 minutes. Near the beginning of the meeting Greg Canfield was nominated and then voted in as the new Mayor Pro Tem taking Alan Teelander’s place after his resignation. Police Chief Steve Bukala was also in attendance at his first meeting after coming back to work last week.
Agenda Approvals
Two ordinance changes were approved, both of which dealt with zoning. The Planning Commission has been working on going through ordinances and updating them where needed. Two ordinance updates were approved by councilmembers.
A public hearing to discuss an industrial facilities exemption certificate and authorizing and approving a property tax abatement was re-established to October 2. The public notice which was to be published announcing the hearing in a circulated source was provided but not published. Due to the lack of publication the hearing was moved.
A utility repair of a pipe leading to Backwater Cafe was also approved. The business has complained for some time about sewer backups. About 10 years ago a contractor damaged a sewer lateral, which they replaced with one of “inferior quality” according to the information the City Manager provided. Council voted to replace the what is needed leading to the business.
The Department of Public Works requested approval, and received it, for the purchase of 70 water meters. Each year about 60 meters are replaced and only 18 remain in inventory. Additionally, DPW also sought bids for running water and sanitary service to three newly built locations at James and High Streets. City Council approved work will be completed by the contractor with the lowest bid.
Board Appointments
Marty Chambers was appointed as the council representative on the Planning Commission Board. This board currently has three vacant seats. Those interested in filling one of them should send a letter of interest to City Clerk Sue Ullery.
Chambers also spoke about comments received about the three Lowell Light & Power employees who have been working in Florida. It’s still undetermined when the trio will return home. They were complimented on their work and professionalism.
With Chambers being appointed to City Council his seat on the Lowell Light & Power Board was vacant. Jeff Dickerman was approved as Chambers’ replacement.
City Manager Report
City Manager Mike Burns welcomed back Chief Bukala. He also reminded people of the upcoming community clean up day on Saturday, September 30 from 8:30am-12:30pm.
Burns also announced the presence of WRWW, Lowell High School’s radio station. Council meetings will now be broadcast live and a link to the audio will be available following the meeting. These live broadcasts and available audio from meetings will be another avenue, in addition to the city’s YouTube channel, to keep up to date with what happens during meetings.
At the next meeting the contract renewal of Lowell EMS will be brought before council. They will renewing their contract but rather than 24 hour shifts they will have 12 hours of operation out of the building.
Meeting Information
The next City Council meeting will take place in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall on Monday, October 2 at 7pm. Meeting minutes and agendas can be found on the city’s website. And meetings can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel. Or check in with Lowell’s First Look after each meeting for a recap of what happened.
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