Cell closure costs rise while KKB may sent packing

The budgeted cost to close the local landfill cell, originally estimated to be $492,000 did not fully cover the work done by local contractor Z & S Construction said Kimball City Administrator Daniel Ortiz, in a report given to the Kimball Board of Public Works at the Dec. 17 meeting.

An additional undetermined amount may be needed once Ortiz meets with representatives from Z & S Construction and Golder Associates.

Following a request by local landlords for a Landlord Policy at the BPW meeting on Nov. 24, Ortiz reported that after meeting with Jaclyn and Chad Miller, the landlords behind the original request, he drafted a policy for review.

The request includes notice to property owners prior to disconnection of electrical services for non-payment. This would allow landlords to assist in collection efforts or roll service over into their own names to avoid freezing pipes and potentially costly repairs.

Though many changes covered under the policy are contingent upon the ability of current software to handle requests, Ortiz added that modifications can be made to the program currently used in the City offices to better accommodate the requests.

Board members agreed to do what can be done if the burden to the City is not too big. The matter will be brought before the board at the next regular meeting for further clarification and formalization.

Although the recent snow did not present any further issues with city power, the power plant sustained some damages to a relay during the first snow and wind storm of the season.

Ortiz stated the the City has contacted Electro-Test and will work with the company to resolve the concerns. To date a water valve has been repaired and some minor repairs have been made to the radiator as well.

Prior to adjourning the board heard an update on the agreement presented to Keep Kimball Beautiful (KKB). Ortiz reported that several City Council members attended the most recent County Commissioner’s meeting to discuss the interlocal agreement the entities had entered into in 2014 for landfill services.

According to Ortiz the allocation to KKB is not specified in the agreement between the City of Kimball and Kimball County.

He added that the proposed agreement presented to KKB was approved in public meeting by City Council on Nov. 3 over objections by the organization. He stated that he understood KKB would not sign the agreement as it was written and that the matter would be addressed again at the upcoming City Council meeting, scheduled for Jan. 5, 2016.

He added that Keep Kimball Beautiful may be expected to find an alternate location for operations, though no decision has yet been made.

According to Ortiz, if the organization is unable to to fulfill the obligations set forth in the contract presented to them the City has to consider other options, up to and including a request that KKB find another location for its operations.