The Grant City Council, at its regular meeting December 18th, obligated the last of its COVID-19 relief funds. Initially, they discussed obligating $60,000 to the Lover’s Lane sewer project and giving the remainder as raises to comply with the voter-approved minimum wage increase. The council denied the raise and discussed other ways to obligate the funds. They decided to give each full time employee a one-time $1,500 bonus and rebate the remaining funds to property owners. However, subsequently, the council learned they could not use COVID-19 funds to rebate property owners. Subsequently, they voted 3-1 to rescind that motion and to give each full-time employee, six in total, a bonus in the amount of $1,500 each for a total of $9,000, to be pulled equally from each department. The employee bonus was approved 4-0. The council then voted 3-1 to use remaining ARPA funds, after sewer project fund needs are met, for assistance to households and disproportionately impacted households and communities per eligible fund uses.
Alderman Kevin Kobbe reported that there had been several breaks in the Lover’s Lane water line, including one last weekend. The city will get estimates to repair.
The city voted 3-1 to give full-time employees a $250 Christmas bonus. This is in addition to the $1,500 bonus.
City Administrator Lizzie Jeanes reported the city has been fully awarded the DNR grant for the sewer project and that the city has gotten the construction permit. The lead line inventory is done. The demolition grant has been held up on the state level; they have pushed back the announcement of recipients twice.
A new proposal to raise the dog fees is on the table, since the city is still dealing with dog issues. The first offense would be $100, the second would be $150, and the third would be $250. The ordinance would need to be amended.
Ryan Fletchall reported that lagoon levels had been stable. There was a water main break at the Pool Park.
The council voted to purchase 20 more loads of gravel before rock prices went up again in January.
The council voted to purchase a new trash pump. The one they have is getting older, and they have to work on it to get it to run, which delays fixing water main breaks.
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