Merrill police report notes thefts and recovered property; public works lists street repairs and equipment work

Councilor McCollam read the Merrill Police Department report into the record at the July 9 council meeting, summarizing traffic enforcement (15 stops, four citations), a non-injury crash near Sinclair, and multiple theft incidents that included a flatbed trailer, tools from a potato shed on Fourth Street and farm machinery from Gold Dust Farms. Councilor McCollam said a multi-agency investigation led to two arrests connected to Post Office burglaries and that California law enforcement recovered property in Dorris, California, which has been returned to owners.

The council discussed patrol needs for upcoming events, including the Lost River Bluegrass Festival and the Klamath Basin Potato Festival; staff implemented black-out dates for employees during city-hosted events to ensure coverage.

Councilor Baley read the Public Works report: crews checked lifts, noted a well level of 66 feet with the pump running, completed the Discharge Monitoring Report, performed locates, cleaned lagoon tules, and responded to equipment problems including two sewer plugs and a replaced pump on Water Street. Willow Street's dry well flooded and damaged circuitry; staff replaced damaged components with 3/4-horsepower float pumps. Klamath County chip-sealed two miles of city streets and Oregon Department of Transportation swept Front Street.

City Recorder Rayna Hernandez reported administrative filings and submittals, including state revenue-sharing paperwork and submissions related to Safe Routes to School street-lighting with PacifiCorp. Code Enforcement Officer Perry reported 20 notices (16 still open) and recent abatements and court action.

No members of the public spoke during public comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.