Dunkirk council approves first reading

DUNKIRK - Members of the city council held a public hearing and approved a 2010 budget on first reading.

The budget document was approved without changes as advertised, Kesler said. The $1.8 million budget calls for $831,000 to be raised through property taxes. She described the document as tight, offering no pay raises for city officials or employees.

A second public hearing and adoption of the 2010 budget is scheduled for the next city council meeting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 28 in Dunkirk City Hall.

Also at Monday night's meeting, council members:

•Learned that a boil order remains in effect for city drinking water here, as satisfactory test results are required before it can be lifted, council representative Judy Garr explained at Monday night's city council meeting.

Water for drinking and cooking purposes should be brought to a boil before being used, city clerk-treasurer Jane Kesler said. She added that the city had scheduled this week for flushing water hydrants throughout Dunkirk, and the process had just begun Monday when a valve on one of the hydrants broke, causing a major leak near Blackford Avenue, affecting an 8-inch water main.

•Heard a report from councilman Tom Johnson that the city pool was now closed and winterization procedures are being taken. He added that while the pool remained open through the Labor Day holiday, it was not really a financial success to do so.

•Heard Johnson suggest that a city employee meeting about personnel policies was needed. However, no action was taken on his request.

•Learned that Johnson and the city park department are once again accepting donations for holiday decorations in Dunkirk City Park.

•Were told that the city's State Revolving Loan fund request for water system improvements for the city was still pending. A ruling by state officials is expected soon, Kesler said.

•Approved paving projects as recommended by Eric Bowler, city council representative in charge of the street department. One of the projects will involve repairing a section of West Pleasant Street by Brooks Construction, Fort Wayne, at a cost of $7,960. Also LICA Construction Corporation, rural Portland, was awarded a contract to do street repairs at various locations throughout the city at a cost of $11,491.

•Listened to a recommendation from Bowler that he felt city department superintendents should be in attendance at council meetings.

•Listened to a report from city resident Pam Bunch that between noon and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in connection with the visit of the Budweiser Clydesdale horses to Dunkirk, free popcorn, hot dogs and soft drinks will be available at the corner of Commerce and Main Streets, courtesy of Mayor Ron Hunt, the Dunkirk Improvement Committee, Local 96 Glass Mold-makers and Pottery (GMP) union members at Saint-Gobain Containers, and Miller's Merry Manor nursing home.[[In-content Ad]]