Published: June 18, 2008 11:06 am         

Catlin OKs emergency alert system

CATLIN — Commissioner David Biggerstaff told the Catlin Village Council on Tuesday that the new emergency alert system would only cost $2 per year per address.

This system would allow residents to have five phone numbers in the system to be called when an emergency exists. The emergencies would include such things as a boil order, weather warnings and other issues.

The council approved to move forward with the project.

Mayor Clayton Woodard said, “This is a good idea, especially for people on the south side who cannot hear the sirens.”

During the public comment period, the council heard Carl Gooch ask the council not to tar and chip Meadowlane Drive.

Gooch asked if the street could be graded and flattened to help with drainage issues and to get in and out of driveways easily. He also asked the board if the money to be used for the tar and chipping could be used for the bridge project.

Another concerned resident also asked that Carrigan Street not be tar and chipped as well. All have been taken into consideration.

In other business, the council:

-- Heard from Roy Patten, a member of the Masonic Lodge. Patten was concerned about the parking on the west side of the street in front of the lodge.

Woodard said the “No Parking” sign was for safety and a visibility issue. Patten shared many positive attributes that the lodge has done for the community.

-- Learned from Biggerstaff there were more problems with the water tower. He said the tower has a hairline crack, possibly caused from the recent earthquake.

Biggerstaff said they will have to drain the tower to repair it, so anyone who wants any water, call the clerk’s office. No date has been set for repairs. Residents who might need large quantities of water should contact the clerks office for information.

-- Hired eight young men to help with flood issues and cleanup. They will be paid per hour and not to exceed $100 each.

-- Hired Jacob Johnson for the remaining of the summer to help with drainage and flooding issues.

-- Hired the Dave Patten Painting company to complete the roof on the maintenance building not to exceed $5,838. This does not include the guttering to be done later.

-- Hired the most reasonably priced tree removal company to remove 10 stumps from the new parking area in front of grade school. The amount is not to exceed $650.

-- Heard from Biggerstaff that the village needs to have engineers look for a solution to flooding from the creek near the sewer plant that has been bringing logs downstream and damming the creek in several areas. Much time has been given to sawing up logs and debris.

-- Hired Butch Smink as groundskeeper and light maintenance on a seasonal basis.

-- Approved having a yellow flashing light on Vermilion to be on all the time and a flashing red light at Fleming and Webster on a part-time basis.

-- Approved installing a sidewalk at 101 Wayne Drive. This sidewalk will be 131-foot by 4-foot. Wade Anderson will be the contractor, and the project is not to exceed $1,900.

-- Heard Woodard remind the village that the fire department will be flushing the hydrants today. Be cautious about washing white or light clothing.