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Council approves several contracts and a utilities position amid debate over rates and process
Summary
The council approved routine contracts for HVAC, retaining wall, LED lighting and radio consoles, and approved creating an in‑house utilities/GIS position intended to reduce outsourcing costs; several councilors expressed concerns about recent rate increases and added personnel costs.
Council approved multiple budgeted contracts brought by Public Services: a $253,000 HVAC replacement at Martin Recreation Center, a $310,000 retaining wall reconstruction at City Hall, LED sports lighting at John Chaffee Recreation Center ($164,446), and $51,414.99 for replacement fire‑dispatch consoles. Each contract was presented as budgeted and was approved by voice vote.
On a separate ordinance (second reading), the council approved adding an in‑house utilities/GIS position intended to reduce reliance on outside contractors and produce long‑term savings; city staff projected cumulative five‑year savings of roughly $500,000 with modest first‑year net savings. Some councilors opposed adding a $100,000‑range position amid recent rate and tax increases and asked that savings be explicitly directed to rate relief where possible; the motion passed 4–1.
