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Melbourne council clears online payment link, okays laptop for public works and authorizes single tree removal; leak and cleanup issues remain
Summary
Council approved adding an online payment link and authorized up to $1,000 for a public works laptop, voted to remove a hazardous tree limb near Doug Watt’s property, and received updates on a suspected hidden water leak, FEMA submission and a fire-damaged grass rig.
At its April 5 meeting the Melbourne City Council approved several administrative items for public works and received updates on storm recovery and utilities work.
Clerk Mary Pothast asked permission to add a credit/debit payment link to melbourneiowa.com; she told the council that there would be no cost to the city and that payments would connect directly to the processor’s site, noting that "customers will need to know their own information such as account number and amount due in order to use the app." Councilmember Carrie White moved to approve adding the link, Councilmember Vickie Stahl seconded, and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
Pothast also requested authorization to purchase a replacement laptop for public works because the current machine, purchased in 2013 for $400, is no longer reliable and is needed for DNR reporting. Councilmember David Gibbs moved to approve spending up to $1,000 for a replacement; Councilmember Lucas Hauser seconded and the motion passed.
Councilmember Gibbs reported that one of the city’s grass rigs sustained fire damage during a controlled burn a few weeks earlier; an insurance adjuster recommended totaling the vehicle because of possible wiring and engine damage not visible at the time. The clerk and Gibbs planned a follow-up phone call with fire department officers to determine next steps.
On recovery and utility issues, the council reviewed ideas for a post-Derecho cleanup day but noted insufficient volunteer turnout and directed the clerk to draft a letter offering targeted assistance to residents with remaining large trees down. Public works staff have been testing hydrants and shutoff valves to locate a hidden water leak; the clerk estimated the leak has been costing the city about $1,000 a month. The clerk also reported that the city’s FEMA Category A project has been submitted for final approval.
Council voted to remove the tree with a limb rubbing electrical wires by Doug Watt’s property and to leave two other damaged trees alone after discussion about the ordinance and the trees’ conditions.
