Grimmett named Florence city treasurer
Mary Jane Grimmett was appointed to the position of Florence City Treasurer following an executive session Monday night at the Florence City Council meeting.
Grimmett was then sworn in by Mayor John Lehman. She will fill the city treasurer position which was vacated by the December resignation of Suzanne Robinson.
The council heard from city superintendent Stuart Funk that cracks have developed in the roof of the new clear well at the water plant.
Funk said during the Jan. 15 inspection by the project's engineering firm Schwab-Eaton, engineers said the cracks were not an immediate danger, but would have to be repaired.
Discussion ensued as to whose financial responsibility it will be to make the repairs, but none of the council members were certain where that responsibility might lie.
Councilman Randy Mills said the question needs to be settled soon in case there is a time limit on the engineer or construction company's liability for such problems.
Funk and councilman Tim Parmley will follow up on the issue and report their findings.
Following an executive session to discuss personnel the council returned to open meeting and voted to place a city employee on a three-day suspension without pay. The employee was not named.
In other business, the council:
— cast a unanimous ballet appointing the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin the official newspaper of the city.
— heard a preliminary report on the city's insurance coverage from Bill Henricks. He will return during the first meeting in March with complete information on coverage and premiums. The city's insurance will be up for renewal April 1.
— was presented a letter from Lori Kirkpatrick, Florence swimming pool manager, which covered a number of repairs and improvements the pool needs. Mills asked that the other council members review the information and be ready to discuss pool finances and personnel at a March meeting.
— heard that a fund for donations for the swimming pool had been established at the city building.
— heard that a committee is being formed by the ambulance department to formulate a disaster plan for the city.
— received the first revisions to the employee handbook and agreed to return to the next council meeting with suggestions for changes.
— tabled the discussion of the city website, the lights at the entrance to Johnson's General Store, and decision on repair or replacement of street signs for the city to a future meeting.
— accepted a bid from Alan Hayes on the construction of rest rooms at Grandview Park contingent upon the approval of the donor funding the project.
— approved a temporary repair by city employees to the curb in front of the American Legion building at Fourth and Main streets. The curb was damaged by equipment removing snow from the city streets in December.
— heard from Funk that new tires are on the trash truck and the truck compactor was repaired. Parts have been found for the street sweeper and repairs are being made. Ken Hoffman has been receiving training from Funk in the operation of the water and waste water facilities.
