BY TONY FURSE | March 15, 2023

In addition to considering a dedicated truck route, acting on spending measures, and considering elementary-school safety measures, all three reports located elsewhere in this issue, Parker city leaders have opted to try selling their old police car via sealed bid.

At its monthly meeting last Thursday, the council voted 4-0, with Jason Webber not present, to take sealed bids on the Crown Victoria up to next month’s 7 p.m. April 13 meeting as recommended by Councilman Jerry Summers. Summers said the city should have the right to reject any and all bids.

Mayor Ashley Balthazor said the vehicle’s Blue Book trade-in value is listed between $1,200-$1,900.

During his report, Craig Haley, police chief, noted numerous complaints at the city lake of off-road vehicles “doing damage and creating ruts to mow over.” He suggested consideration of an ordinance to disallow off-road vehicles to leave city lake roadways.

During his report, Chad Page, contracted water/sewer operator, will next month present an updated quote, estimated around $6,000, for a new pump at the sewer lift station.

“We’re starting to fight the old pumps,” said Page, noting that rebuilding one is possible. “But it has to be shipped out, and they can’t promise anything.”

He said both lift-station pumps are currently operating, but the older one purchased 15 years ago “is on its last leg.”

During her report, Kathy Harrison, city treasurer, noted February general fund revenue of $6,067.56 and expenses of $11,212.87, capital outlay revenue of $4,231.89 and expenses of $18,170.26, water fund revenue of $4,380.01 and expenses of $3,728.75, sewer fund revenue of $1,962.08 and expenses of $1,904.04, and street fund expenses of $275. The park/lake fund showed no February activity.

The council approved bill payments totaling $58,401.38.

Because the February monthly meeting was cancelled due to an anticipated lack of a quorum, Harrison also provided information showing January general fund revenue of $31,853.34 and expenses of $12,669.95, capital outlay revenue of $3,572.52, water fund revenue of $5,782.14 and expenses of $6,737.77, sewer fund revenue of $2,554.23 and expenses of $1,282.24, and street fund revenue of $1,645.61 and expenses of $372.20. The park/lake fund showed no January activity.

In other business before the council:

--The council elected Gary Earley as its pro tempore president on a 3-0 vote, with Earley abstaining. Balthazor said that Earley would preside over meetings in the rare event both she and Webber, the council president, would be absent.

--Carrie Sewell, city clerk, reported that several residents are needing culverts replaced. Asked by Balthazor of his interest, Page said he is interested but that “some may just need cleaning out.”

--Following up on an appearance at last November’s meeting, Albert Kerr asked about assisting the city by mowing at the sewer lagoon and the city lake. Balthazor said that the city will contact him if needed. “We don’t know yet if we need help or not,” the mayor said.

--As a step toward establishing a commercial auto shop in a current residential zone at 412 W. Kimball St. with Taylor Chapman, Julie Hurlock told the council that a conditional use permit application and fee have been submitted to the city. In response to the business being set back 15 feet from the center of the alley, Hurlock said their measurements indicate that “our door is exactly 15 feet away.”

--No public action followed a 20-minute executive session for non-elected personnel.