City to extend sewer

City sewer lines will be extended south on Weston Street and provide service to the ball fields, out Drew Lane and out to the Blackhawk Auto Center.

Ken Hayes, City Water Department superintendent, presented a plan to City Council members Tuesday night to extend sewer lines on Weston Street. City officials approved the resolution authorizing McClelland Consulting Engineers to provide engineering services for the project.

"We looked at this back in 2008," Hayes said. "This is an older part of town that never had sewer there before. The end of the line was by Legacy Storage."

"We would like to do it ourselves," Hayes said, explaining that would save money. "If you look at the numbers, you save a ton of money."

"I know the crew can do it," Mayor Jackie Crabtree said. "They've done some other projects around the city."

"I just really appreciate how you and your guys are willing to take things on yourselves," Nadine Telgemeier, council member, said.

Council members also approved an ordinance changing the city burn regulations.

City attorney Howard Slinkard explained that state law allows the "local fire authority" to develop regulations on fire pits because locations vary as to fire hazards.

Council member Bob Cottingham asked about notifying city residents.

"We do publish all ordinances in the newspaper," Sandy Button, city clerk, said. "It's state law."

Slinkard also told city officials that there was a problem with a "brief lease agreement" to use the old Blackhawk Stadium for the mule jump. He said there were "liability issues" and the owner of the property wants the city to have insurance or to sign a "hold harmless" agreement.

"It's unconstitutional for the city to do that. If we insure this, we loose our torte immunity," Slinkard said. "We retain torte immunity."

Council member authorized the mayor and city attorney to negotiate with the property owners on the issue.

In other business, the Council:

• Approved the purchase of a front end loader for $27,500 for the Street Department;

• Heard the second reading of the ordinance for door-to-door solicitation regulations;

• Heard the first reading of the ordinance governing outdoor and mobile food vendors;

• Approved the resolution adopting ad valorem taxes for 2015.