The City of Atalissa is working to replace all septic tank lids and risers in the community, it was learned Monday, Oct. 12, at the regular October meeting of the council held at Atalissa City Hall.
TuluP Contracting of Atalissa will continue the work as city budget funds allows, hopes to accomplish the work in the next few months, allowing for better control of seepage and keep drainage water from seeping into homeowners sewage tanks.
It was also reported by water superintendent Matt Goodale that the city’s water tower has been painted, but still needs some touch-up work and lettering before final payment is made to the company doing the work.
A tree removal project on the water tower property was also tabled by the council under the direction of mayor Bob Schmidt, in hopes of having more information at the November meeting.
The city also decided to delay a decision to help fund a warming/cooling station at the Atalissa Fire Station. Mike Smock, a secretary/treasurer for the volunteer fire department, made a presentation in September asking the council to help fund a proposed permanent heating/cooling center that would be used in extreme emergencies like the recent derecho in August, which opened the department’s eyes to the need.
The entire project would cost an estimated $52,982, the bulk of those expenses for a $24,162 generator and installation as well as $25,300 for the restroom remodel to become ADA compliant.
Smock said the objective is to have the station ready to go on an as-needed basis by May 1, 2021, fulfilling the city’s recognition of the fire station as a designated heating and cooling center in the city’s hazard mitigation plan.
He said about 2,000 residents live in the fire district, many without a place to go if there are power outages in the heat of summer or the chill of winter. He said 25 percent of those residents are over the age of 50.
In other business, the council approved a special Truck or Treat event outside the fire station for Friday, Oct. 30, to be held from 6-9 p.m. In hopes of raising money for the heating/cooling center, the fire department will also host an adult Halloween dance at the station beginning at 8 p.m. Anyone is welcome.
The city also bought more used holiday lights, getting a deal from Durant and are checking out electrical outlets in street light poles for this holiday season.
Regarding the police report, the department assisted the Moscow police department in a civil dispute and assisted the West Liberty department in a possible burglary that was in progress at 206. N. Morgan Street.
The department also assisted West Liberty on a call of a juvenile that was suicidal and homicidal.
There were a total of six nuisance abatements provided by the department and the department asked the council to take action on the nuisance violators in the near future.
The department conducted 27 traffic stops during the month of September including issuing a ticket for a moving violation.
The city’s next meeting is set for Monday, Nov. 9, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Atalissa City Hall according to city clerk Samantha Parry.
Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting.