Moore Haven council approves $119,593.11 in bills; discusses dumpster service costs and meter upgrades

The Moore Haven City Council on Sept. 2 approved payment of city bills totaling $119,593.11, including a $21,000 UCLS invoice (invoice #21325).

Councilmember RaShonda Croskey moved to approve the bills; Councilmember Alisha Beck seconded the motion, and the motion carried. The minutes and meeting record show the motion passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes provided.

Public Works Superintendent Brad Simmons told the council a technician repaired two older dumpster trucks that had been having issues and that a welding company inspected a plant crane and cleared it for use, though replacement control buttons need to be ordered.

Councilmember Alisha Beck raised the question of whether the city is required to provide dumpster services and noted the high cost of equipment: "paying $275k for a dumpster truck," she said, arguing the council should analyze long-term costs and whether the city's dumping fees cover expenses. Beck also raised the possibility of upgrading meters to automatic systems and "piggybacking" on surplus meters from a larger utility as a cost-saving measure.

Vice Mayor Marcus "Marc" Decker asked staff to coat and seal docks at the front of city facilities; Simmons said staff will look into it. Mayor Wayne Browning also urged follow-up on outstanding code-enforcement matters around town.

No formal ordinances or policy votes were taken beyond the approval of bills; councilmembers directed staff to examine dumpster-service economics and meter-upgrade options and to report back when more information is available.