Fort Branch council approves alley deed, budget timing changes and contracts for library pump and ADA plan

The Fort Branch Town Council at its regular meeting approved a package of local actions including a deed to transfer the alley between the library and gym to the library, adjustments to the 2025 budget, a library pump solution developed in executive session, and contracts needed to pursue a paving grant.

The council voted to deed the alley to the library contingent on completing a survey and clarifying utility easements. Phil, a member of the gym board, told the council the gym would not take title and that the library was willing to accept the property if utilities and legal details were resolved. The council agreed to secure a survey and record any necessary agreements before final transfer.

Council members also approved Resolution 2025-4, which reduces the 2025 MVH (paving) allocation by $200,000 and moves that funding into the 2026 budget to support a larger grant application. The resolution also scales back certain park and fencing line items. The council made and passed the motion during the meeting.

Following an earlier executive session with library and legal representatives, the council approved a recommended fix for a library sub-pump that routed drainage via street-boring to the nearest storm drain to avoid winter ice on the street. Council members said the agreement reduces town liability and directed staff to implement the agreed solution.

The council approved a contract not to exceed $17,500 with HWC to prepare an ADA transition plan and Title VI documentation, a required element for the town's planned paving grant application. Staff said the town cannot pursue the grant without those documents and moved forward to meet the grant timeline.

The meeting also included approval of two water-tower related change orders for ladder replacement and interior cleaning and review of a quoted automation enclosure to integrate water-tower controls with the SCADA system. The change orders were approved; the automation quote was discussed and members asked staff to obtain an additional vendor quote before final action on that item.

Votes at a glance: - Alley deed to library: approved; council directed a survey and utility easements be completed before final transfer. - Resolution 2025-4 (budget timing/reductions): approved. - Library pump solution (as described in executive session): approved. - HWC contract for ADA transition plan (not to exceed $17,500): approved. - Water-tower change orders (ladder replacement and interior cleaning): approved.

The council set a special executive session on police matters for Sept. 9 at 5:00 p.m. and scheduled the budget adoption for the Sept. 24 meeting. The meeting adjourned at roughly 6:56 p.m.