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Council discusses cemetery irrigation filter, possible use of perpetual care fund and street repairs
Summary
Councilors discussed purchasing a filter to protect the cemetery irrigation system, debated whether to use the perpetual care fund or water system budget, reviewed a FEMA stormwater grant requirement (including $19,000 for public engagement), and referenced multi-million-dollar needs to repair 2nd Street.
Councilors discussed a proposed purchase of a filter intended to prevent foreign material from entering the cemetery irrigation system and potentially to support west-side ditch irrigation.
A council speaker said finance recommended approval and that funding might come from the perpetual care fund or from the water system budget. "It sounds like the consensus that we may be able to use this out of the perpetual fund," the speaker said, and staff were asked to confirm whether perpetual care funds could legally pay for the item.
City staff said they would consult with Pete and Jody to confirm rules for using perpetual care funds. The chair said, "If we can't, we'll take it out of there," indicating staff and finance will determine the appropriate budget line. A councilor moved to approve purchase of the filter out of the appropriate fund.
Council also discussed a FEMA grant and a stormwater study tied to a Safe Streets program; a public-engagement line of $19,000 was mentioned as part of the preliminary reporting requirement. The chair noted he submitted a letter of support for the Safe Streets grant before obtaining formal council approval because of the grant deadline.
On infrastructure more broadly, councilors said 2nd Street—from the old prison to Rainbow Avenue—needs comprehensive repair and that prior public-works estimates put the cost at 'several million dollars.' Council members said the city has been saving for the project for years but that repairs are not immediate.
Why it matters: decisions about using restricted funds (perpetual care) affect cemetery maintenance reserves and long-term asset management; the stormwater study and grant work could shape sidewalk and street improvements.
Next steps: staff will consult finance and legal counsel about allowable uses of the perpetual care fund and return with a recommendation; council moved to approve purchase pending identification of the appropriate funding source.
