Council hears cemetery and Public Works updates; seeks canal-permit extension and pump replacement

Councilmember Bob delivered a substantive update on cemetery maintenance and Public Works priorities, including water access and equipment replacements.

Bob said painting and work on the upper cemetery parking lot were completed and that he plans spring cosmetic work with volunteer help. He acknowledged using some non‑perpetual funds for building repairs and apologized for touching perpetual‑care funds, promising not to do so again and to rebuild that balance.

On water access, Bob said the city has pursued a permit to do canal work needed to supply water to both the older and newer cemetery sections but that budget restraints may delay the work. "I am gonna appeal to the canal board to see if they will extend that permit another year," he said, requesting a letter with the mayor’s signature to support outreach to potential funding partners.

Bob also reported that the Public Works Building has all utilities except water and that the water tie‑in is scheduled for spring. He urged replacing the failing pump at Pioneer Park with a permanent unit to avoid repeated breakdowns: "Let's get something in place permanent so that again, we don't know how long it's gonna take to get water up to the upper part... That will help."

Why it matters: the cemetery work affects veterans’ memorial sites and public access; the canal permit and pump replacement are prerequisites for reliable water to maintain cemetery landscaping and park features.

Council did not take a vote on any capital expenditure at this meeting; staff were asked to continue planning, pursue permit extension, and prepare pump design costs for future consideration.

The meeting record shows no formal action on funding at this session.