Hickman citizens recommended to call ahead for city stickers

City Clerk Donna Haney reminded the Hickman City Commissioners that City Stickers are due May 1, during their regular commission session April 13 at Hickman City Hall.

“I would like to request residents and employers who buy their employees’ City Stickers to email, call or fax their information or list to us to process, since we are using only the drive-through window, and traffic could back-up into the street. By calling in, we can have your sticker ready and waiting at the window,” Haney said.

A public hearing for MAP Funds was held prior to the regular Commission meeting, with commissioners James Adams, Robert Griggs, Rob Hitesman, and Mayor Heath Carlton attending.

A public hearing was held at 4:45 p.m., for MAP (Mutual Aid Program) Funds to compile a list of roads in the city limits in need of paving.

Commissioners discussed roads they considered to be in need of attention and residents responded via Facebook to add their concerns as to which roadways should be prioritized for paving.

The Commission formed a committee, comprised of James Adams, David Gallagher and Mayor Carlton, to evaluate the streets and decide which would be paved with $120,000 set aside for funding the paving.

It was reported Discretionary funds, received from the state, will be used to fund E Wellington and Moulton St.

Once the Committee selects streets to be paved, bids will be let for the paving.

Willie Caton, Alliance Water Resources representative, reported the Water Treatment Plant treated a total of 14,063,800 gallons of water, with an average of 453,671 gallons per day during March; repaired four leaks; made repairs; cleared 24 sewer blockages; and repaired one broken sewer main.

Caton also reported during the month of March the Water Treatment Plant produced an average of 100,000 gallons per day less than it did in March 2019, possibly resulting from the schools being closed, and restaurants’ usage of water decreased because of restrictions on dine-in services.

With the public provided a means by which comments could be made, through call in or Facebook, Kayla Mathis messaged the Commission about the need to repair a collapsed culvert at the intersection of Marion Street and Clay Street.

Commissioners approved the payment of an Invoice from Hawkins for $4,425 for chemicals at the Water Treatment Plant.

Discussions took place regarding Roger’s Hydrant Service to service hydrants around Hickman, with two quotes were received, one for $55 per hydrant, per year, for three years will include flow test, flush, service, inspect, complete a record book on each hydrant; and the other for $35 per hydrant, for three years for inspection only.

The City has 170 – 180 hydrants.

City Manager David Gallagher said Hickman Fire Chief John Amberg requested the first quote referenced, at $55 per hydrant, because, according to Amberg they have not been inspected in some time.

At the Commissioners’ request, Gallagher will contact Joey Cherry with Roger’s Hydrant Service with some questions, and report back to the Commission.

The establishment of a committee to inspect City property, including the water treatment plant, city hall, public works, fire department, and West Hickman Pump Station was discussed, to perform a walk through inspection, annually or twice a year.

The committees will consist of the City Manager, one Commissioner, and the head of the facility being inspected.

Committees formed included, Robert Griggs on the Police and Fire building; Rob Hitesman, Water Treatment Plant and Waste Water Plant; James Adams, City Hall; James Adams and David Gallagher on Street Paving. Mayor Carlton will be an active member on all committees.

City Manager Gallagher’s report included revenue had been eceived from GovDeals.com, $4,099 thus far and current bids are at $5,000, with the monies going to the General Fund.

“I don’t think you would have made near that amount of money on a local sale. The good thing is if things become available to sell, you can put the on the GovDeals account anytime,” Gallagher said.

Bob Pickerill of Bell Engineering was scheduled to be at the Waste Water Plant on April 14 to look at specific problems to repair, with Caton reporting the influent piping and baffling curtain are two items to be looked at while Pickerill is on site.

Mayor Carlton said, “I appreciate the mowing John Amberg and Elgin Infinger have been doing. We are short-handed not having the inmates to help with the mowing. The mowing has been going well at this time. Moving forward, I’m sure it will be a lot more in-depth and pace. We will need to look at something moving forward.”

Commissioner Griggs urged the public to complete the Census form, either by mail or going online.

“Fulton County has filed 49.3%. The State average is at 49.8%. This will help get outside money and us not have to rely only on our money,” Griggs said.

Commissioners went into Executive Session pursuant to KRS61.810(1)(f), and .reconvened at 6:05 p.m. with Mayor Carlton announcing no decisions were made and no votes were taken.

Commissioner Griggs proposed three motions, which were approved as follows: advertise for a seasonal worker for mowing; hire temporary part-time mowers due to the pandemic at the discretion of the City Manager; and advertise for a police officer.