Waitsburg City Council Update

WAITSBURG - Council members include: K.C. Kuykendall, Marty Dunn, Kevin House, Debra Callahan, Mayor Walt Gobel. Karl Newell was absent.

Delores Nettles expressed concern about the tipping Christmas trees along Main Street during public comment.

Council briefly discussed the recent planning commission gathering and asked why there weren’t enough commission members present to establish a quorum for the meeting.

Approved the early payoff of playground equipment which will save the city approximately $1,200 in interest.

Approved the promotion of Jim Lynch to Public Works Director. Lynch replaces recently retired Dan Katsel.

Approved to accept financing offer of $1.65 million from Community Bank at 1.99% to refinance two debt services, currently held by Banner Bank, and to finance upcoming water line improvements. Estimated interest savings, at half the current interest rate, will be $90,000 in the first five years.

Approved budget amendment to adjust for change in banks and terms of aforementioned loans.

Approved creating a Emergency Action/Fire Prevention Plans for the city.

Council Reports: Callahan expressed interested in establishing a National Night Out in Waitsburg, similar to Dayton’s celebration. Callahan also noted that there are already three events slated to use the fairgrounds this year: Waitsburg’s first Touchet River Bluegrass Festival will take place June 26-28, a large family reunion will use the facility on Aug. 7-9, and there are plans, possibly working with FFA members, to put on a Haunted Hayride every weekend in October. Callahan asked about updating the weathered fairground signage.