Early officials allow Crossroad Days water fights and discuss water projects, sheriff updates

The Early City Council voted to permit water fights during Crossroad Days while continuing to observe a water-conservation period. Fire Chief Keith Horan raised the topic of water fights at 8:45 PM and discussed water conservation; Public Works Director Kris Alesch reported that current water levels, compared with the same period last year, are not critically low and that planned water fights would not unduly stress supplies. The council agreed that supporting the community event was appropriate while retaining the conservation notice until further notice.

Ken McClure delivered the monthly sheriff's report, briefing the council on new ATV/UTV laws and providing an update on a Radio Tower Project. No formal law-enforcement actions or new ordinances were recorded during the meeting.

Public Works reported infrastructure progress: a new lagoon generator has been placed and is awaiting MidAmerican Energy to run a gas line; Bolton & Menk engineer Wes Boyer is expected to discuss the 2nd Street Water Main Project with the goal of getting concrete in place before Crossroad Days. The clerk read invoices and receipts approved in the consent agenda that included payments tied to water projects: Bolton & Menk ($19,334.13), John T Jones Construction ($369,582.24), and Certified Testing Service ($2,002.00).

What happens next: Public Works will continue coordination with MidAmerican Energy and the project engineer, and the council will monitor water levels and any required operational updates for the water and wastewater systems.