Durham city budget hearing is Monday
Contributing writer
The public budget hearing for the city of Durham will be at 8 p.m. Monday.
At the city council meeting Aug. 5, Fire Chief Pete Sommerfeld reported the fire department had received a $4,000 matching grant, meaning the community must raise $2,000 to be matched. He reported since his accession to the office of chief, the fire district has added some equipment such as hoses and five more fire fighters.
Mayor Glennon Crowther reported on a letter received from Flint Hills Energy regarding propane prices and extra charges for delivery. Crowther pointed out that Cardie Oil Company's prices are lower with no hidden costs. "With that in mind, do we want to buy from Cardie's?"
"I think there's merit in buying local, and Cardie's is more local than Flint Hills," Gary Unruh commented.
Pete Sommerfeld moved and Mike Sorenson seconded to arrange for buying propane from Cardie Oil. The motion carried.
The council continued a discussion of water problems opened at last month's meeting. Apparently when the tower is pumped full of water, the water stands there indefinitely, while other water continues to be pumped through the lines.
"I wonder if it would be possible to make the tower higher," said Marvin Rediker, water supervisor. "That might be the most economical solution if it's feasible."
Sorenson and Crowther questioned whether the base is strong enough to support the higher tower.
The council also explored the possibility of placing a hydrant in the north part of town, which could draw water from the tower instead of through the lines. The mayor was requested to gather information about the costs, difficulties, and advantages of this option. Action was postponed to the next meeting or, if needed, to a special meeting.
Rediker reported that 641,980 gallons of water were pumped in July, as compared with 515,630 gallons in June. When Unruh asked Sommerfeld if that was close to the amount shown on the meters, he replied that only 476,980 gallons were metered. Possible reasons for the discrepancy were discussed. There was speculation that some of the older meters may be inaccurate. Sommerfeld said he plans to replace some as time allows. Council members also were urged to be alert to any possible leaks where water possibly is being lost.
"We have a customer who is trying to get money from somewhere and wanting us to put off discontinuing service," Sommerfeld said. "I told her if the bill isn't paid by Tuesday, the water will be cut off Wednesday morning." The council agreed that was the appropriate action.
Sommerfeld announced he will be on vacation Sept. 3 to 16 and someone will need to take over water testing while he is away. He was instructed to try to arrange a substitute and report at the Sept. 2 meeting.
Routine bills approved for payment included $93.32 for a clamp used to repair water lines.
