City council discusses water restrictions, possible rate changes

The Tea City Council met July 10 and discussed possible changes to water rates.

The council did not take any action but talked about possibly changing water rates. Water restrictions were approved in April through an ordinance that restricts watering for odd-numbered houses to odd days and even-numbered houses to even days.

After analyzing some of the water data, there are some users using more than 40,000 gallons per month. Councilman Lynn DeYoung noted that Harrisburg has a four-tier rate system for the number of gallons used and how much they have to pay. In discussion at the city council meeting, they talked about possibly going to a three-tier system. More information will be coming at the next meeting.

Kasey Hahn with Pure Bliss Cannabis at 1930 E. Gateway Blvd was on hand to talk about his application for a conditional use permit for a medical cannabis dispensary. The council approved the CUP.

The council approved the building and site plans for R&R Contractor Shops at 2005 Industrial Street. The plans call for two buildings with four 2,500-square-foot units each. They also approved the foundation permit for R&J Wireless Contractor Shops at 2030 Industrial Street. The plans call for an 18,000-square-foot building with eight units and a smaller building with 11,800-square-feet with seven units.

They reviewed the bids for the Brian Street sewer expansion phase I. The council approved the low bid of $340,641 from Alliance Construction, Inc.

The council approved the cost-share agreement between the city and Nielson Construction for $21,298 for sewer main in the Landmark Industrial Park. They also approved the 85th Street semi-urban improvement agreement for engineering services from HDR Engineering.

The council approved the pay applications for three projects. HDR engineer Ben Scholtz said in the regionalization wastewater pump station and force main project most of the grading is done and the concrete has been poured in the lift station underground structure. He expects substantial completion by November and final completion in December. They are slightly ahead of schedule on the project. They approved the pay app from Metro Construction for $210,299.05.

In the Hagedorn Industrial Park, all the roads are open and traffic control is done. Grass seeding will be done in August or September. Scholtz will do a walkthrough this week. The council approved the pay app from Asphalt Surfacing Co. for $354,549.55.

They approved the pay app from Metro Construction for $2,860 for the James Avenue storm sewer improvement project. The only thing left is seeding and tree planting along the channel.

With city administrator Dan Zulkosky retiring at the end of June, the council approved finance officer Dawn Murphy to be the signing agent for the hazard mitigation grants.

The council went into executive session for contract at 7:54 p.m.