Washington’s City Council met Monday evening and took care of some end-of-the-year business. The Council passed a resolution transferring $5,000 in the Fire Department budget to have funds in the overtime fund, which is low due to a large amount of overtime served earlier this year. The Council also approved a transfer of funds in the Street Department budget to purchase a forklift. A third resolution was passed to meet a state requirement when the city places certain tax funds received from the state.
In other business, City Attorney Jeff Norris told the Council that the City has received a letter from CSX claiming the recycling center on East Oak Street is on railroad property. The building in question was originally part of the County Highway garage and was given to the city 19 years ago. The council told Norris to contact CSX and ask for definitive proof of the allegations.
The Council also acted on appointments to local boards. Anita Ash was appointed to the Daviess County Economic Development Commission, Rick Powers and Nick Dahl to the Redevelopment Commission, and Randy Emmons will serve on the Downtown Design Review Committee.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Rhoads told the Council that the weather has set back the completion of the work on Old U.S. 50 about a week. Paving work is scheduled to get restarted on Thursday. Weather and temperature permitting, work should be completed in two weeks.
Following the Council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety met with opening bids on the renovation of the intersection of Apraw Road and NW Second Street. Three bids were received. E & B Paving entered a bid of $166,000, Milestone bid $112,000 on the project, and Don Gress Construction entered a bid of $101,000. On the recommendation of City Engineer Ed Barnett, the Board awarded the project to the low bidder, Don Gress Construction.
