Washington’s City Council did not have a lot of business on the agenda but received a lot of information on pending projects, needed infrastructure upgrades, and information about a proposed city ordinance.
Park Superintendent Kip Kelly told the Council that the splash pad area at the city pool needed repairs; however, the parts are special orders and only made by one company. Kelly said the manufacturer demands a down payment accompany the contract before production begins with continuing payments at each stage of production and installation. Kelly said that more companies are requiring down payments and on-going payments. Taking the special circumstances under consideration, the Council approved the proposed contract and payment schedule. The Council also asked Clerk-Treasurer Beth McGookey to seek guidance from the State Board of Accounts and to draw up a policy to deal with future similar situations. In regular business, the Council approved a resolution establishing an economic revitalization area and establishing a schedule for tax abatements for the expansion of Cherry Tree Court. A public hearing on the proposed abatement will be held on Nov. 12.
The council approved rezoning two areas of town. The old Tokheim property on Front Street was rezoned from industrial to R-1, single-family residential. The developers had originally requested R-3, multi-family, but the Council balked at the R-3 designation. The other rezoning was for property located at 2105 East National Highway, which was changed from residential to commercial zoning. In other business, the Council heard the results of nearly seven years of negotiation to purchase 20 acres of land and necessary easements for an east side sewer plant. Richard Burch of Midwestern Engineers told the Council that Washington’s current plant on the west side is at capacity and something needs to be done. The negotiations with the Graham family for an eastside location began in 2017 under Mayor Joe Wellman’s administration. With the project in the planning stages, the city agreed to a contract outlining an option to buy. The cost of the land and necessary easements will be $578,825. The city has 540 days to exercise the option. Burch said the new facility would take four to five years to build and would cost around $25,000,000.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Rhoads discussed a proposed ordinance that would mandate regular inspections of rental properties within the city. Council members received the proposed text via email. The mayor said the proposal will likely be introduced at the next meeting.
The mayor also reminded community members of two upcoming events. Mayor Rhoads invited trick-or-treaters to the Eastside Park Safe Stop on Halloween evening.
Mayor Rhoads also announced the dedication and official opening of the Washington Commons on Main Street.
The City of Washington invites the public to celebrate the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of The Commons on Friday, November 8. Festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. following the ribbon-cutting. Guests should bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the event on the lawn. This celebration is open to all community members.
Following the council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety approved a request from Daviess County Peer Recovery for two designated client parking spaces on NE 4th Street. Due to Veterans Day, the next Council and Board of Works meetings will be held on November 12.
