Meter change works

DUNKIRK — New water meters that can be read electronically are expected to improve detection of leaks and reduce future billing disputes.
“I can see a major improvement already,” water superintendent Dace Mumbower told the Dunkirk City Council Monday night.
Mumbower said that using the new system 186 meters were read in just 18 minutes. That information is already in the billing computer system at the clerk-treasurer’s office.
“So they are working,” said council member Judy Garr, who has special responsibility for the water department. The change shortens the meter-reading process from a three-day job to a single day.
In all 462 new meters have been installed, with more on order, Mumbower said.
Meanwhile, an aggressive approach by the city to clean up past-due water bills has been bearing fruit.
Clerk-treasurer Phonnie Kesler told the council that as of May 31, 2012, the city had $70,169.87 in water bills that were at least 90 days overdue. Through collections, writing off unpaid bills, and filing liens, that amount has been reduced to $26,842 as of Monday, she said.
Garr also noted the water department will be flushing hydrants from May 20 through May 24, starting at the north end of town, which may result in some discoloration during that period.
Mayor Dan Watson reminded the council that Saturday is the day set aside for a “neighborhood makeover” clean-up effort. Debbie Storie, who is heading up the project as a volunteer, said 32 volunteers have signed up to help. Seven different properties have been targeted with the cooperation of the property owners.
“I encourage anyone who is available to help,” said Watson. “I appreciate all the work you have done.”
Storie said much of the work will be done in the Shadyside neighborhood on Dunkirk’s northwest side. Volunteers will be wearing matching t-shirts that day to make them identifiable to the public.
Councilman Tom Johnson said work is underway to get the Dunkirk Pool ready for the warm weather ahead.
The council gave unanimous approval Monday to the purchase of $2,880 in chlorine, $997.53 in paint, and $3,870 in repairs to the concrete pool deck.
The paint was purchased from Norm’s Paint, Muncie, while the actual work will be done by inmates from the Jay County Jail. The concrete repairs will be done by A-1 Concrete, Marion. Johnson said holes will be drilled in the deck and a portion of the boys’ restroom floor.
Concrete will then be injected underneath the existing deck, lifting it back into its original position.
“This will definitely help prolong the life of the concrete slabs,” said Watson. “We try to do as much preventive maintenance as we can.”
Johnson said a handicapped lift for the pool should be installed by Memorial Day.
The council also approved a trade proposed by Watson of an old New Holland tractor, a Grasshopper mower, a finish mower, and a bush hog for a new mower from K&L Tractor Sales, Fort Recovery, for the street department. The old equipment is in disrepair. The new mower has a value of $12,000, Watson said.
“We’re just getting rid of stuff we don’t need,” said Johnson.
In other business, the council:
•Approved two change orders on the wastewater treatment plant project, one resulting in a net increase of $2,740 and the other totaling $30,090. The largest item in the change orders was work on masonry repairs at the plant. The change orders are within the project’s contingency fund.
•Approved a scheduled payment of $17,552.90 to contractor MK Betts Engineering and Contracting, Anderson, for work on the wastewater treatment plant project.
•Set 7 p.m. on June 10 as the time for a hearing on the proposed annexation of about 40 acres of land north and west of the Verallia glass container plant. That land is owned by Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation.
•Learned that Jordan Alfrey, a reserve police officer from Randolph County, has joined the Dunkirk Police Department and Maureen Miller has been hired as a part-time dispatcher.
•Heard Kesler express concern about the number of houses in Dunkirk without proper house numbers.
•Agreed to waive rummage sale permits on the Wednesday through Saturday of Glass Days.
•Renewed the city’s liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage through Barnum and Brown Insurance, Dunkirk.
•Set its next meeting for Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m., to avoid the Memorial Day holiday. The only item on the agenda will be the approval of claims.[[In-content Ad]]