Ceiling for pay is raised

Extra work for a city consultant will mean more money.

Members of the Portland Board of Works voted Thursday morning to pay Kristi Sturtz of Sturtz Public Management Group additional money for the work she has left to do this year.

In her original contract with the city, the city agreed to pay her an hourly rate of $70 per hour up to $20,000 for the year. On Thursday, she asked to have the ceiling raised to $30,000.

Sturtz said among the projects she currently is working on is a historic façade grant program for structures in downtown Portland. She said she expects her work on this project to be wrapped up by the end of the year.

Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier told board members that the money to pay Sturtz is available in the other contractual services fund.

In other business Thursday, board members approved the purchase of a new truck with a snowplow for the street department.

The 2009 three-quarter ton four-wheel drive truck and plow will be purchased from O'Daniel Automotive Group, Fort Wayne, at a cost of $26,156. This price reflects a trade-in value for a 1999 Ford pick-up truck.

The city also received quotes from Moser Motor Sales, Berne, and Ken Kunkle Chevrolet, Portland. Moser submitted a quote of $30,177, and Kunkle's price was $28,612. Both quotes also reflect a trade-in value.

Also Thursday, board members:

•Voted to adjust the sewage portion of a water bill for New Life Ministries, 415 S. Helen St.

A water leak occurred between the meter and the church. Board members voted to adjust the sewage portion of the bill down to a three-month average.

•Approved six sewer tap-in applications for homes on county road 100 North and county road 150 South.

The applications were for properties owned by Monty Sibery, Keith Pepple, Diana Michael, Mark Root, Shaun Sanders and Michael Blowers.[[In-content Ad]]