Pawnee City council approves culvert and trailer purchases, swears in new council member

At its Aug. 26 meeting, the Pawnee City Council approved multiple routine actions and infrastructure purchases and processed an appointment to fill a council vacancy.

Mayor Charlie Hatfield nominated Pat Hatfield to fill the council seat vacated by Laura Poskochil. Council Member Susan Eisenhauer moved to accept the nomination, Council Member Donnie Fisher seconded, and the motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote. The newly appointed Pat Hatfield read and signed the official oath during the meeting.

On infrastructure, Foreman Spencer Cumley requested approval to replace a culvert on 17th and E streets. The council approved Gyhra Construction’s quote for $23,909.90 with payment from ARPA funds; the motion passed by unanimous roll call. Cumley explained that a concrete wall near the crossing had been struck during the county fair and noted a similar issue at the 9th and Trail crossing.

The council also approved purchasing a gooseneck dump trailer with a solar battery charger from Tredz Central for $22,550, with the cost split among five funds (general, street, water, sewer and park). Council members said the trailer would allow the city to retire an older dump truck that required a CDL and to use the trailer to transport the mini excavator. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting also included routine approvals of payroll and vendor claims; the Treasurer’s claims list included payroll of $12,518.24 and vendor items such as Sargent Drilling ($35,472.88) and Mahoney Concrete ($18,016.00). Council members voted to approve the claims by roll call; all present voted in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.