Wilmont council selects gWorks for utility billing, approves curbside water shutoff and declines food trucks

WILMONT — At its Aug. 14 regular meeting, the Wilmont City Council voted to adopt gWorks as the city’s replacement utility billing software, approved a curbside water shutoff at a vacant home and declined to change city ordinances to allow recurring food trucks.

Mayor Gene Bertrand presided over the meeting at the Wilmont Community Center. City Clerk and Treasurer Amber Bertrand presented the treasurer’s report and said the city’s finances were “nothing out of the ordinary.” Council discussed Nobles Coop Electric charges; Amber said June costs were somewhat higher than usual because of recent flooding. The council voted to accept the financial report and to pay remaining and subsequently received operating bills, including fire department bills (motion by Josh Balster; second Isaac Joens).

Maintenance Director Steve Joens told council staff had photographed most water meters to satisfy the state Lead & Copper reporting requirement and identified several incorrect hookups. Council authorized sending letters to affected property owners giving them 30 days to correct the hookups and requiring follow-up inspections; Clerk Amber Bertrand will mail the notices. Joens also asked to shut off curb water service at 304 3rd Ave because the house is vacant, electricity is shut off and the account is past due. The council approved the shutoff at the curb (motion by Josh Balster; second Alicia Entinger).

Joens also reported the city’s fire department received new turnout gear and that the department’s Ribs and Rims fundraiser raised “around $4,800.” The council approved the fire department report (motion carried).

On the Clerk’s agenda, Amber Bertrand said the city’s current utility billing software, UBMax, will be discontinued at the end of December 2024. She presented written quotes from gWorks (which bought UBMax), Munibilling and Banyon. After brief discussion, Council member Isaac Joens moved and Alicia Entinger seconded a motion to proceed with gWorks; the motion passed, though Amber noted she wanted to continue reviewing the vendor for potential hidden fees.

Council approved a building permit for Lenz Excavating on a motion by Josh Balster, seconded by Isaac Joens. The council also considered a request to allow a food truck to operate regularly at the Town Bar & Grill; after discussion the council voted not to change ordinances and not to allow food trucks at this time (motion by Isaac Joens; second Josh Balster).

The meeting concluded with the council setting its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Approve agenda: mover Josh Balster, second Isaac Joens; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Approve July 9 minutes: mover Isaac Joens, second Josh Balster; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Approve timesheets: mover Josh Balster, second Alicia Entinger; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Accept financial report and pay bills: mover Josh Balster, second Isaac Joens; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Authorize 30-day correction letters for incorrect meter hookups: recommended by Steve Joens; council approved (all in favor). - Approve curb water shutoff at 304 3rd Ave: mover Josh Balster, second Alicia Entinger; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Approve Fire Department report: mover Josh Balster, second Alicia Entinger; outcome: approved (all in favor). Fundraiser reported roughly $4,800 raised. - Select gWorks as replacement billing software: mover Isaac Joens, second Alicia Entinger; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Approve building permit for Lenz Excavating: mover Josh Balster, second Isaac Joens; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Deny change to ordinances to allow recurring food trucks: mover Isaac Joens, second Josh Balster; outcome: approved (all in favor). - Adjourn: mover Josh Balster; outcome: approved.

What happens next

- Clerk Amber Bertrand will mail correction notices to property owners with incorrect meter hookups and continue vendor review for the chosen billing software. The council will finalize the 2025 budget at the Sept. 11 meeting.

Provenance

topicintro: SEG 003 — "The regular monthly meeting was called to order by Mayor, Gene Bertrand at 6:00 pm in the Wilmont Community Center, 316 4th Avenue. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited."

topfinish: SEG 020 — "Next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 6:00 pm.",