Council approves Verizon offer, waste rates and routine contracts in Monday meeting

Bloomfield — At its regular meeting, the Bloomfield City Council approved a bundle of actions ranging from a telecommunications lease to routine public-works contracts.

Verizon: The council voted to pursue a $172,000 lump-sum payment from Verizon for a permanent easement on the water tower site rather than a longer-term monthly payment plan. Staff warned monthly payments could escalate but carry a risk Verizon could later abandon the site; a motion to pursue the lump sum passed and the company will submit contract paperwork for council approval.

Waste rates: The council completed a second reading and approved an ordinance setting waste management rates effective July 1, 2026.

Contracts and payments: The council approved $7,611.92 to Central Pump and Motor LLC to repair wastewater pumps and authorized $10,000 in quarter‑two funding for Main Street. It approved pay estimate #6 to TK Concrete for $21,970.89 for airport work and authorized the sale of several surplus vehicles including an old Ford interceptor and engine truck. Council also approved budgeted estimates of up to $25,000 for pole replacements and up to $15,000 for street repairs at Southwest and Carr streets, and up to $20,000 for pipe repairs near the DC school.

Grants and permits: Council approved a contract and resolution permitting use of the public sanitary landfill and authorized proceeding with materials for a sidewalk/streetlight grant (grant award $31,000 of a project estimated at roughly $44,000; the city will cover potential additional out-of-pocket costs if sidewalk replacement is required).

Votes were recorded by voice/roll call on each item; most motions passed unanimously. Many items were described by staff as budgeted and routine; the Verizon option and the sidewalk/streetlight grant discussion drew the most substantive deliberation.