It was reported at the Watervliet City Commission meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024 that the sewer issue at the CSX depot has been fixed and it is now hooked up to the Pleasant Street sewer system instead of on Main Street.
The new website for the city, www.watervliet.org, is up and running. There is more to add to the site but, the basics are up and running.
Following up on past business, the board was told there is currently no date set for the demolition of the former Catholic church on Crescent Street, but it is in the county’s hands. Core & Main, meter experts, has replaced and updated the signaling for the water meters and it appears to be working.
iWorQ proposal
The public works employees have reviewed the “iWorQ” work order system and approve of the program. If approved by the board, the payment will come out of next year’s budget. They are looking at $9,000 initially and $5,500 annually, and a contract for four years. This also includes two tablets for Public Works to use.
This system keeps track of inventory, scans codes as new inventory comes in, lets them know when they are low on inventory, gives alerts, will remind of upcoming maintenance and yearly or quarterly reminders. Board members had a question about the agreement stating, requesting customers’ data will cost $2,500. They will vote on this issue at a Special Meeting called for on Saturday, May 18.
Committee/Board Reports
Watervliet DDA has plans for Oasis Park every Thursday starting May 23, through September 19. Plans are for games, bands and food trucks.
The Sewer Board states that they are maintaining their budget and looking to purchase a lawn tractor.
Joint Fire board is still looking at a retirement plan for firefighters, and for purchasing a new fire engine. So far, three companies they have looked at are all asking a million dollars for a new engine.
Department Head Reports
Watervliet Police Department states they had 97 calls for service in April.
Public Works reports they are still changing out old water meters and catching up on new construction housing meters.
City Clerk Melanie Marvin will be working on the August Primary and cross training helpers.
Alan Smaka gave a presentation on the fishing/canoe launch off of Hays Park and options of replacing. He also talked about fiber optics, USDA grants, and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Openneer Park hopefully will be June 14. The park is located on Lucinda Lane between South School and St. Joseph Catholic Church.
New business
The board gave their approval to Arclight Brewing Company and Local 3 Grill & Tap for distributors for the new Social District. Signs will be going up indicating the boundaries for the Social District.
The reappointment of City Clerk Marvin to the Joint Fire Board for a 6-year term was put on hold. There is a question of whether or not a conflict of interest exists since in essence the fire chief operates under the direction of the city clerk.
Budget amendment, Resolution 08-2024 was approved. An increase in revenues from $3,448,330 to $3,498,330 was put in sewer for potential repair or replacement.
Approval was given to Pro-Vision for the police officers’ body camera and docking station at the cost of $6,045. The Risk Reduction grant will take care of $5,000, but the city has to pay first and then grant money will be sent.
A Letter of Engagement with Maner Costerisan out of Lansing for the city audit was received. There is a cost increase of $900 from last year. The current contract is a 3-year agreement for year 2024 at a cost of $20,750, year 2025 for $22,000, and $23,500 for 2026.
The Comcast Franchise Agreement is a 10-year agreement and the City of Watervliet receives 5% gross revenue quarterly.
The last copier for City Hall was purchased in 2017. A copier quote came in at $5,548, which was the same for flat rate versus per sheet rate. There was a question which is better in the long run. Clerk Marvin will see how much they used last year to determine which service is best. The board approved the purchase. The old copier will go to replace the copier in the police department.
Approval was granted for a Fireworks Permit for July 6.
The board approved a salt bin to be installed at Public Works. The expense will come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds at a cost of $69,798. They also gave approval of the Public Works garage roof repair cost of $26,750, which is already covered under capital improvement in budget.
Final payment to Kalin Construction of $22,665.36 for the Riverside project was approved by the board.
The next regular board meeting was changed to June 13 at 6 p.m.
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