BY ANGELA K. HOLT | November 9, 2022

Council members for the city of Blue Mound met on Monday, Nov. 7, for their regular monthly meeting. Lengthy discussion was held over the eventual replacement of the city’s water tower. A used one is lying at the site that the city could purchase for $25,000. Though not new, this one was cited as being considerably newer than the one currently in use. City clerk Max Krull informed the council that the USDA doesn’t normally grant money for a used water tower. However, he can inquire if they would provide funding to rehab it if the city paid for the tower themselves.

Krull also told the board that if they would rather purchase a new tower to replace the current one, they could likely get a matching grant from USDA. Council members discussed their options before asking Krull to schedule an inspection of the current tower, as well as the used one offered for sale, to get an estimate on how much it would cost in rehabbing it. Krull stated he would call the engineer and make an appointment. The council will make a decision once they have a report from the inspection, and more answers from USDA.

Mayor Russell Beth informed the council of asphalt millings available for purchase. The millings are located between Bronson and Uniontown. He stated that if the city would take it all, it would only cost $5 per ton. However, there is an estimated 4,000—4,500 tons available. The city would only need to purchase up to 500 tons. The millings would be used to repair several streets; the city does have the funds available to purchase. Beth asked if the council was interested in purchasing. Council members agreed they would like the price per ton for 500 ton, and the price of hauling.

In other business, Krull noted inspections on some of the manholes have been done. He also shared that the city is waiting on an antenna for the dialer recently installed at the lift station.

The council approved the following: minutes of the previous meeting; payment of bills in the amount of $34,530.20; and to donate the same amount of money as in previous years to be used to purchase Christmas candy.