Covington council approves road repairs, budget moves and vehicle purchases; tables 4‑way stop

Covington — The Covington City Council meeting on Aug. 5, 2024 produced several routine and budget-related approvals, including a Community Crossings road contract, multiple vehicle purchases, and budget adjustments intended to help fund the 2025 budget. A special council session on Aug. 19 approved additional vehicle purchases for the Electric Department.

Roads and contracts: Mayor Crain told the council the city received one Community Crossings bid from Milestone totaling $317,215.55; the local match required was $96,018.04. Councilmember Copenhaver moved to accept the Milestone bid, Councilmember Easter seconded, and the motion passed 5-0.

Vehicles and equipment: The council approved a $49,146.93 purchase of a 2024 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab WT from Clark Chevrolet (Cayuga) for the Street/Water Department after a motion by Councilmember Copenhaver and a second by Councilmember Easter (vote 5-0). At a special meeting on Aug. 19 the council approved two Electric Department pickups — a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD for $64,432.00 and a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD for $52,727.75 — on a motion by Councilmember Copenhaver with a second from Councilmember Martin (vote 5-0).

Budget and accounting moves: Mayor Crain introduced Resolutions 2024-2, 2024-3 and 2024-4 to reduce appropriations in three areas of the current year so the city can fully fund the 2025 budget; the council approved the resolutions 5-0. The Board of Works also approved a $228,600 transfer from Waste Water Operating to Waste Water Depreciation on Aug. 5 and later transferred $64,000 from Electric Operating to Electric Depreciation on Aug. 19; both transfers passed on 3-0 votes in Board of Works sessions.

Permits and other approvals: The council agreed to let Jenny Goeppner hold a nursery-school 5K on Oct. 26, 2024 using the park and trail. Covington Elementary was granted use of the city pool for 2nd- and 3rd-grade swim lessons in August, with a final swim day of Aug. 30.

Traffic change tabled: The council discussed an earlier-passed ordinance (2024-4) to install a 4‑way stop at 9th and Railroad/Sunset. Mayor Crain and police staff said they expect the new signage could create additional problems; after discussion the council tabled the subject for further consideration (motion passed 5-0).

Public-works and facilities notes: Chief Foster presented and the council approved a $3,900 insulation bid for the police department. Public-works staff reported recent ditch repairs on North 9th Street, that plant tanks were scheduled to be poured the following Friday, and that the department had sufficient chemical supplies through Aug. 31. Residents raised property-maintenance concerns (a privately owned lot at 10th and Harrison) and tree/ditch issues; city staff said departments would inspect and follow up.

Next steps: The council scheduled a special budget meeting on Aug. 19 at 6:00 p.m.; the transcript also records a budget hearing on Aug. 9 and budget adoption scheduled for Aug. 23, 2024. The council did not set final contractor awards for the wastewater project in these minutes.

Votes at a glance: Milestone Community Crossings bid accepted ($317,215.55; local match $96,018.04) — motion passed 5-0; Fountain Trust loan for wastewater accepted ($1.5M at 4.00%) — motion passed 5-0; Resolutions 2024-2/3/4 adopting appropriation cuts — passed 5-0; Street truck purchase from Clark Chevrolet ($49,146.93) — passed 5-0; Board of Works transfers (wastewater $228,600; electric $64,000) — each passed 3-0; Electric trucks approved Aug. 19 (two trucks totaling $117,159.75) — passed 5-0.