Chris Cavender

The council discussed potential partnership with the county for a grant writer. In utility matters, adjustments for unusually high water bills were addressed, including meter testing, and clarification was provided regarding compliance status for drinking water testing. The council approved several resolutions, including granting employees a 5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 and approving CMB licenses for G & W Foods, Casey's, Pete's, and Pizza Hut. A Fixed Asset Resolution for 2026 was adopted. Key public works decisions involved approving a 4% increase in water and sewer rates effective January 1, 2026, and enacting numerous budget transfers and encumbrances for Police, Water, Sewer, and Street departments for 2026. Specifically, funds were allocated for equipment like a Breathing Air compressor and a Sewer Auger System, and approvals were granted for Fire Station roof HVAC bids and water tower cleaning. The meeting included multiple executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel matters and financial/trade secrets. Finally, the council approved the claims and vouchers totaling $707,375.60.

The meeting commenced with the approval of an amended agenda. Key discussions included the presentation of the Gold Community Traffic Safety Award to the Yates Center Police Department, noting their high ranking in state safety metrics, which may translate into grant opportunities. The council addressed resident concerns regarding water bill due dates, temporarily moving the due date to the 25th for the current month while online payment systems are being established. A discussion occurred regarding the neighborhood revitalization plan guidelines, involving the formation of a committee to edit the current plan. The session included two executive sessions: one to discuss non-elected personnel matters and another for attorney-client privileged discussions. The Mayor reminded attendees about an upcoming budget workshop. Finally, the council approved claims and vouchers for periods ending June 23 and July 7.

The regular session included approval of the agenda, which contained updates on Light Hardware premise change and the Water Plant, following a motion to approve the agenda. Key discussions involved a premise change for Light Hardware, allowing The Lanes and Light Hardware to utilize a single liquor license, with the City Clerk authorized to sign the application. The RNR Budget Hearing was opened and subsequently closed with no comments, followed by the unanimous approval of the final budget. On Safety matters, the Council decided to adopt the Genesys alert system over Textcaster, as the county agreed to share costs. The Police Chief reported ongoing monitoring of traffic complaints at intersections 54 and 75 and the South school area. For Fire Department building repairs, the council decided to obtain quotes after an insurance inspector examines all city-owned roofs due to a leak on the west side of the fire department roof. Public Works items included discussion on sewer plant parts, where the cost for a new auger was detailed, and an update on the Water Plant regarding backup parts, electrical issues, and valve failures. The Council approved funds for necessary backup parts and testing equipment for the water plant. Additionally, approval was given to purchase and install a new insulated door for the Water Shop at a cost not exceeding $5,500.00. In Parks & Public Lands, approval was granted for swing payments after a miscommunication was resolved, and a request for a secure steel door under the stadium was approved. The Mayor recognized contributors to the Sesquicentennial success and initiated a discussion regarding the potential for primitive camping at the New Reservoir. Finally, the Council approved claims and vouchers totaling $102,618.79.

The regular session of the Yates Center City Council addressed several municipal matters. The council requested a traffic study regarding speeding complaints along Grove & Wilson and issues at the 4-way stop intersection of 54 and 75, and the Police Chief was tasked with implementing measures like speed limit or stop signs. The Water/Wastewater Superintendent, Brent Torrens, was introduced. The council addressed employee procedures concerning signing charge tickets for parts or supplies. Under Public Works, a motion was passed to waive the bid process and purchase a broom attachment for the skid-steer for pothole cleaning and snow removal, utilizing approximately 20 tons of rock for a designated area. An ATKIN DISCLOSURE regarding businesses was presented. Multiple executive sessions were held concerning attorney/client privilege matters and non-elected personnel discussions. The City Clerk reported receiving a $56,000 50/50 grant to assist with rip rap costs for South Owl Dam repairs, requiring bids to be solicited. The Mayor shared thank-you notes and announced a community clean-up event preceding the upcoming Sesquicentennial celebration. Finally, claims and vouchers totaling $97,528.03 were approved for payment.

The meeting agenda included discussions on the Animal Shelter License renewal, which the council agreed should not be renewed until the shelter meets state standards. Topics related to safety included tabling a discussion on storm drain maintenance issues and approving a raise for an officer on probation. For fire department building repairs, the council decided to have an insurance inspector examine all city-owned roofs before seeking quotes for necessary repairs, specifically noting a roof leak on the west side. Public works items involved addressing a collapsing storm drain culvert on S. State Street, which necessitates a temporary road closure. Furthermore, the council unanimously approved waiving the bid process for water plant rewiring and accepted a bid of $36,501.72 for that project. Bids are to be solicited for a pump replacement, with a deadline of October 3 for submission. Permission was granted to the County to use the City's backhoe temporarily. The council also addressed a property inquiry regarding lot acquisition and road vacation, which will be discussed in October. Finally, claims and vouchers totaling $130,684.06 were approved for payment.