Saint Paul council approves patrol-car tech upgrades and mileage reimbursement; reviews utilities and fire contract

The Saint Paul Town Council on Feb. 4 approved technology upgrades for two patrol cars and agreed to reimburse an officer for training mileage, while reviewing utility and fire department matters.

Town Marshal Josh Kuntz reported department staffing and hours for January and said Officer Austin Fleener logged 336 roundtrip miles for training. The council agreed to reimburse the officer at the federal rate of $0.70 per mile. The Police Department submitted quotes to update computers and cameras in two patrol cars; council approval was recorded and funding was assigned to fund 2240 (public safety). The department also requested replacement of expired tasers; that purchase was presented as a request with quotes but not recorded as approved in the minutes.

Fire Department representative Dan Pennington presented a proposed contract; council will review the contract and vote at next month's meeting. Water/Sewer Operator Les Day presented a written report that included an IDEM update, material quotes to replace a 3/4-inch line on Crenshaw Street (labor quotes pending), a planned well-meter installation and an update on a prior sewer blockage. Clerk/Treasurer Alyssa Hall said staff sent reports to Stephen Brock for a rate study and the council is awaiting Brock's findings.

Other administrative items recorded: payroll and accounts-payable dockets were presented for approval; the council instructed writing off the balance for account #2682-00 and cancelling an unused water-department phone number; and the clerk will post a notice to accept mowing bids.