Commissioner David Jordan says contract negotiations between the City of Grayville and union have reached an impasse and had no additional comment, instead saying any details beyond that would have to come from the union. He did note it was his understanding however that a strike authorization vote was taken earlier in the day Monday. We’ll keep an eye on developments.
Also at Grayville’s Monday Council meeting, seat holders took action on various business as new commissioners and a new mayor will take their place on the council at Grayville’s next meeting, May 13th. Among those tasks were amending the 2018/2019 budget. Budgeted revenues were scaled upwards more than $388,000 to $2,977,090.69 while Expenses were expected to decrease from the original budget by $114,000 to $4,137,271.66. The group also approved the Fiscal Year 2019/2020 Budget with a projected profit of more than $115,000. Jordan says news has already come thru the community that he says will no doubt affect those numbers however.
From there, council approved designation of a Park Improvement reimbursement from the Department of Natural Resources. That $200,000 is expected to be reimbursed with fiscal year 20 bond interest payments.
Ordinance 869 passed unanimously approving the formal sale of real estate that’s been discussed over the last few council meetings and council approved the Gary and Jean Bisch request for the city to vacate an area that crosses their property on High Street.
Commissioner Josh Downs rescinded his last meeting request and council approval for the purchase of a $6,100 concrete retaining wall in favor of taking dirt off the hill near the Church of Christ and filling it with rip rap. Fisk Construction and Landscaping has been hired to do the heavy lifting for $4,265.
Grayville is hiring two co-managers for the city pool. Avri Cherry and Torin Lee will serve in the role this summer.
Outgoing Commissioner Andy Brock presented the board with a Gas General Liability Insurance proposal from First Insurance, saying the premiums had gone up $826 to $5,073. The measure passed.
Clean Up Days in Grayville will take place on May 6th and 7th to coincide with regular trash pick up days.
Council approved a new water tap for the Grayville Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Joe Bisch gave a brief update on the Water Telemetry system and advised the incoming mayor and council members they’d need to be checking in on the water bags to see what kind of debris, if any is coming in when the city switches from Well 4 to Well 5. The results he says will provide a good indication as to whether Grayville will need to get the water tower cleaned inside and out.
Council passed parade permit resolutions for the Memorial Day Parade. Due to Grayville’s unique location, Council has to pass multiple resolutions for Edwards and White County’s to close portions of Old 130 and Route 1 from 10am to 11am on Memorial Day.
Finally from the agenda, council approved the Grayville VFW to solicit contributions for Poppy Day on June 1st.
In individual reports, Commissioner David Jordan informed council of oil income of $1,557.36 since the last meeting. Jordan also says he attended a Greater Wabash meeting in which members are proposing a Bike Trail to run from Grayville to New Harmony.
Outgoing Commissioner Andy Brock was congratulated and thanked for his more than 2 decades of hard work for the city. Among the gifts, Mayor Bisch gave the long time gas commissioner a decorated gas meter to the delight of Brock.
A celebration for outgoing Mayor Joe Bisch has been scheduled for Wednesday.
