Pawnee City Council approves routine claims, kenneling agreement and staffing; reviews sewer inspection and pond restroom work

Pawnee City — The Pawnee City Council on March 24 approved routine administrative items and several motions and heard operations updates from city staff.

Council accepted the March 10 minutes and unanimously approved payroll and claims that included payroll of $13,329.31 and a series of vendor invoices. Council Member Vickie Zelenka moved to approve the claims, and Council Member Donnie Fisher seconded; the roll-call vote was unanimous.

The council approved an interlocal agreement with Pawnee County for kenneling services with no changes after a motion by Zelenka and second by Fisher. Council also approved installing handrails at identified downtown locations and extending yellow step markings, following a Foreman Spencer Cumley estimate that metal pipe materials and a core drill would be the primary cost.

On operations, Foreman Cumley reported that the city passed its state sewer inspection but that effluent meter readings are higher than influent readings — a discrepancy dating to about 2013. He said staff may rent a temporary effluent meter (about $2,000 per week) to diagnose the problem; a repair could cost roughly $5,000–$6,000, or the meter pit may need redesign. Cumley reported a failed sewer jet pump; staff obtained a quote for a new jet pump at $8,460.92 and noted rebuilt pumps cost about $4,000–$5,000 but generally have shorter service life. Council voted to retain Gary Droge Jr. on standby contract labor at his prior hourly rate to provide backup operations support.

Clerk Curtis summarized correspondence and receipts, including January 2025 sales tax of $31,833.86 (with ½% street repair sales tax of $7,124.22 and motor-vehicle sales tax $3,336.98) and a proposed Municipal Equalization Funds estimate of $163,604.53. The council adjourned at 8:34 p.m.