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Harrisville Council funds Pocket Park kaleidoscope, adopts capital plan and approves administrative changes
Summary
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Harrisville City Council approved $2,000 to complete a Pocket Park kaleidoscope, adopted the Capital Improvement Plan and approved several administrative items including increasing secretary hours and accepting an $86,368.92 distribution report.
Harrisville — At its Sept. 8, 2025 meeting, the City of Harrisville Council approved $2,000 to complete a public-art kaleidoscope for the Pocket Park, adopted the city's Capital Improvement Plan and approved a set of administrative changes including an increase in the city secretary's weekly hours.
Becky Bean, a council member and Tree Board liaison, told the council that the Arts Council and Sunrise Gardeners had already contributed funding and purchased bricks for the Pocket Park project and asked the council to provide the final $2,000 needed to purchase the kaleidoscope. On a motion by Alderman Vanderheuel, seconded by Alderman McKenzie, council unanimously approved the funding and a corresponding $2,000 budget adjustment to cover the purchase.
The council also voted, on a motion by Vanderheuel and seconded by Schwanz, to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as submitted. Council accepted the distribution report totaling $86,368.92 on a motion by Bean, seconded by Claseman; members asked questions about the new BS&A financial software during that discussion.
Personnel and administrative actions included a request from Clerk Harmon to increase the city secretary's hours from 20 to up to 32 per week; the council approved that change on a motion by Vanderheuel, seconded by Schwanz. Clerk Harmon also presented a proposal to relocate city offices from 200 5th St. to 311 Lake St. (the former health department) and outlined inspection and occupancy steps; the council discussed next steps and asked the clerk to coordinate with the building department.
Votes at a glance - Approve agenda (amended to add Ladies Giving Group): motion by Vanderheuel, second by Schwanz; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 003). - Approve minutes (Aug. 11, 2025): motion by Vanderheuel, second by Schwanz; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 004). - Fund Pocket Park kaleidoscope, $2,000: motion by Vanderheuel, second by McKenzie; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 006). - Budget adjustment, $2,000: motion by Vanderheuel, second by McKenzie; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 007). - Adopt Capital Improvement Plan: motion by Vanderheuel, second by Schwanz; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 014). - Accept distribution report, $86,368.92: motion by Bean, second by Claseman; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 015). - Approve non-conforming zoning letter for 306/308 Church St. (subject to city attorney confirmation): motion by Vanderheuel, second by Bean; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 022). - Increase city secretary hours to up to 32 per week: motion by Vanderheuel, second by Schwanz; result: Yays 5, Nays 0 (SEG 027).
Why it matters The kaleidoscope will complete a small public-arts installation in Pocket Park supported by local organizations and a small city contribution. Adoption of the Capital Improvement Plan guides city spending and project priorities through the coming cycle. The staffing change reflects the council's acceptance of increased administrative workload and the proposed office relocation could alter space available to the fire department and other municipal functions.
What's next The Code of Conduct draft remains under attorney review and will return for a vote at the October meeting. Clerk Harmon will coordinate building inspections and steps needed for the proposed office move to 311 Lake St.
