Board approves several municipal purchases, accepts demolition bid and advances rental enforcement

At its meeting the Service Board approved routine municipal purchases, accepted a demolition bid, and advanced code-enforcement steps for rental properties.

The board approved a $23,000 purchase for two pre-wet well devices intended to reduce grease build-up in lift stations; the superintendent said the equipment was included in the sewer department budget. The board also approved a $5,675 purchase for a permanently mounted ladder at the sewer electrical and blower building to replace unsafe extension-ladder use.

On procurement, the board reviewed one bid for demolition of a failed house at 406 West Allen (Dirt Works Excavating) for $5,500 and voted to accept the low and only bid. The board reviewed compliance at 101 McGill Street (a prior six-month directive to rehome rabbits) and voted to delay assessing a $1,500 fine until the next meeting after the resident reported the rabbits had been moved.

On rental-unit enforcement, the board discussed units held by the Andrew Spite Trust and planned inspections; the trust agreed to cooperate and the board put enforcement on hold pending compliance. For Kyle Rice Rentals, staff reported one unit where entry was denied and said certified notices have been sent; staff recommended pursuing an eviction warrant if access is not granted and the board authorized follow-up enforcement action.

Next steps: staff will process purchases, schedule ladder installation and the demolition contract, continue rental inspections, and return to the board with any enforcement recommendations or fine actions.