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Keiser council appoints Penny Wilbanks as city recorder and advances lift station bid
Summary
At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Keiser City Council appointed Penny Wilbanks as city recorder, reviewed and accepted financial reports, noted MMRS submitted the lowest bid ($220,500) for the Main Street lift station and moved forward on an annexation south of Elm Street; Chief Mike Shively resigned and interim eligibility issues for Paul Borden were recorded.
The Keiser City Council on Oct. 21 appointed Penny Wilbanks as city recorder and handled a series of administrative and infrastructure items, including advancing the procurement process for the Main Street lift station and approving an annexation south of Elm Street.
Councilmember Lynn Skaggs moved to appoint Penny Wilbanks as city recorder; Councilmember Laura Smith seconded the motion and all voted aye. Wilbanks was sworn in to the recorder post during the meeting.
The council approved minutes from the September regular meeting and a special meeting on a motion from Councilmember Donna Bell with a second from Councilmember Joey Jackson, and later accepted the city’s financial reports on a motion from Jackson, seconded by Bell; both motions were unanimous.
On infrastructure, the council reviewed the Main Street Lift Station procurement. The Health Department and ANRC approvals are in place, bids closed Oct. 1, and the lowest bid was submitted by MMRS for $220,500. Paperwork was sent to ANRC recommending that MMRS be awarded the contract; the council record does not show a formal council vote awarding the contract at this meeting.
Council discussed the police fleet: three vehicles acquired from JPD are in service, titles have been sent to the DMV and tags applied; one vehicle is experiencing transmission trouble and the city is exploring repairs. The council also discussed disposition of other unused police cars and insurance premiums for active vehicles.
In economic development matters, Mayor Rick Creecy reported meeting two representatives from Alliance for Rural Impact on Sept. 16 to discuss business recruitment; Jordan’s did not meet site requirements. The mayor also said he attended the Wilson Economic Summit on Oct. 8 and made contacts with several regional development organizations to support local recruitment efforts. The council plans to work with Alliance for Rural Impact and Cotton to Steel in November to develop a prospectus.
The council approved a building permit for Chris and Jennifer Foster to install a chain-link fence valued at $1,700; the motion to approve was made by Councilmember Joey Jackson and seconded by Councilmember Laura Smith and carried unanimously.
On annexation, the council voted to proceed with annexing the area south of Elm Street. Councilmembers emphasized that the annexed area would not receive franchise fees but would provide property and turnback tax revenue; the city noted it would likely have to pave streets in that area within five to seven years. Councilmember Donna Bell moved to proceed and Councilmember Joey Jackson seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The council recorded several grant- and park-related items: a $2,500 donation from BRS to match a 50/50 Urban & Community Forestry Assistance grant, a Firehouse Sub (SCBA) Q1 request to purchase SCUBA equipment for the fire department, recent dirt and concrete work in the senior area of the park, and volunteer assistance from Travis Senter to dig out the park pond ahead of the walking-trail installation. Council members said paperwork for the bike/walking trail is in order; 25% plans are approved by ARDOT, 50% plans have been submitted, and installation is planned for 2025.
Under other business the council approved payment for accidental death and dismemberment insurance for city officials on a motion from Lynn Skaggs, seconded by Donna Bell; the motion passed unanimously. The council also reported a lead pipe inventory has been completed and sent to the Health Department; the city noted some lead pipes are present and said it will develop a plan by 2026 to address replacements.
The council recorded that Chief Mike Shively resigned his position. The council also noted that Paul Borden was suspended from interim chief consideration because he did not have the required hours to qualify as interim chief.
With no further business, Councilmember Joey Jackson moved to adjourn at 6:40 p.m.; Councilmember Laura Smith seconded and the motion carried. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Keiser City Hall.
