Jenkins council adopts radio‑read meter upgrade and authorizes ARC/CED grant applications

The Jenkins City Council on July 6 approved a resolution to pursue a radio‑read water‑meter upgrade and adopted related grant authorizations to seek state and federal funding for Jenkins I/Phase 2.

Clerk reading the resolution described it as "Authorizing resolution 7626, City of Jenkins, Jenkins radio reading meter replacement," directing the mayor to act as the city's authorized representative for applications and agreements with the Cabinet for Economic Development and other grant programs. Council members moved and approved the resolution by voice vote; the motion carried with 'Aye' recorded and no recorded opposition.

City staff said the radio‑read system will allow remote reads for roughly 200 meters and reduce the need for manual meter reads in winter and hard‑to‑reach areas. The council also approved language authorizing submission of Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and other grant applications for Jenkins I and Phase 2; the documents presented to the council referenced grant program ceilings discussed during the reading of the resolution (figures in the record included $331,000 and, in alternate language, $420,000 for related project applications). The clerk read the grant language aloud and the council voted to approve the submission and to designate the mayor as the authorized representative for executing grant documents.

Council discussion was procedural; no speakers registered opposition. The council also approved routine invoice and stormwater requisition items during the same meeting. The resolutions direct staff to complete applications, provide required documentation to grantors and return to council for any agreements that would obligate the city should funding be awarded.

Next steps: staff will complete application packets to CED and ARC and begin procurement planning to implement the radio‑read upgrade if grant funding is secured.