Lafayette board approves $1.22 million in claims; controller fields questions on fire hoses and mowing liens

The Lafayette City Board approved claims totaling $1,223,050.67 during its Sept. 16 session. Jeremy Deal, city controller, told the board, "Controller's office has reviewed claims totaling $1,223,050.67. I request the board's approval." A motion to approve the claims was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. During discussion, a board member asked about the fire department purchases listed under one claim and how often fire hoses are replaced. Deal said, "Those are probably 15 to 20 years that we're replacing our we haven't replaced them. Generally, we buy them when the trucks are new, but I kept moving forward. But these are the hoses that were 25 to 30 or 15 to 20 years old." On tall-grass or weed enforcement tied to claims paid to contractors, Deal confirmed these were for "tall, grass or weed violations." When asked how many such mowing actions occur in a summer, he answered "Dozens." The controller explained mowing liens are added to property taxes if unpaid. The board recorded the approval by voice vote; no roll call was recorded in the transcript. Ending: The board concluded claims approval and moved to other agenda items; staff will proceed with bookkeeping and placing unpaid liens as required by city code.