Cambridge Volunteer fire Department receives half of funds needed to build new grass rig
Cambridge City Council met in regular session on Monday, April 18, 2022. Council Member Mike Harris was absent from the meeting. After approving the Consent Agenda Items, members of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department were present to discuss plans to build a grass rig. The department is requesting half of $112,000 to purchase a pickup and add a skid unit to replace one of the current grass rigs that have been having issues. A motion was made to approve the request contingent on the Rural Fire Board’s approval of covering half of the cost. The motion was seconded and approved. Other discussion was held on utilizing the BIC hydrants outside of Indianola, Bartley, and Cambridge to help should the need arise. Utilities Supervisor Dave Houghtelling said he would be sure the fire departments knew how to use them.
Council then discussed the Planning Commission report. Council approved site plans and land use permit application for Tara Gross to build a fence as well as Logan Baker to build a fence. The Council denied Kyle Broadfoot’s request to build a garage and lean to because it does not meet requirements. Mayor Gunderson said he had spoken to Maria Downer at the Library and she said the workmen had completed the asbestos removal, but they had found some underlying issues. Downer said she was going to touch base with a contractor for more information and would keep the Council updated.
In the Utilities Supervisor Report, Houghtelling said he had found 11 places for summer armor coating. The bid to fix these areas was $74,494.05. A motion was made and seconded to accept the proposal. The motion passed. Mayor Gunderson signed the proposal and Houghtelling said he would send it in to hold our place for the summer repairs. Discussion was also held on declaring the 2016 Altec Line Truck as surplus so it could possibly be sold in the future. City Attorney Lisa Shifflet said she would check to see if the truck could be sold or if bids would need to be taken. A motion was made and seconded to declare the truck surplus. The motion passed.
City Clerk/Treasurer Kandra Kinne reported she had included the Financial report for March 31, 2022. Financial highlights of the report included, “Ending March 31, 2022 we have $4,731,820.77 in cash and $929,439.88 in investments. Our Fiscal Year Budget to date is 50%. Revenue received is 49.47% of the budget as of 03/31/2022, and expenses paid and payable as of 03/31/2022 are 37.31% of the budget. Comparing March 2022 to March 2021, we have $16,623.95 less in Cash and Investments compared to the previous years.” Kinne also reported the Auditors would be at the next Council meeting. Kinne also asked Shifflet to help draft a resolution guiding office staff when a customer should be considered “cash only” because of multiple checks returned due to insufficient funds. Kinne also reported they would be having interviews for the City Clerk position next Monday evening and would have a recommendation for the Council at the next meeting.
Council Member Jeff Ommert asked if the manhole covers for the manholes left open would be replaced soon. Houghtelling stated the covers had been ordered, but have yet to arrive. Council Member Tony Groshong asked about the manhole in the alley behind his house. Houghtelling said they would get it filled soon. There was no other public comment. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm.
The next City Council meeting will be on Monday, May 2, 2022, at 6:30 pm. The Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 5:00 pm. A BIC meeting will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022, in Bartley at 6:30 pm.
