Cars and roads were a main part of Sodaville City Council’s discussion during their Jan. 15 meeting.
City Administrator Molly McGuire presented the council an opportunity to bid on a 2012 Chevrolet with less than 200,000 miles that was up for auction. Councilor Roger Perry and Public Works Director J D Burns said it would be a good buy if they could get it for less than $3,000.
Perry said the current 2003 work truck’s four wheel drive does not work, and Burns said the driver’s door had to be welded back on.
While council generally agreed a replacement truck is needed, they wanted to take more time to consider what the best option would be. They ultimately did not bid on the car.
Burns reported a citizen chained off part of Elm Street and laid gravel on the road, which destroyed water meter monuments and buried valves.
A discussion ensued among councilors about how commercial trucks drive up the steep drive, despite signs prohibiting it. Mayor Brian Lewis said a water pipe crossing that road is at risk of breaking if trucks continue to use that road.
In other business:
- A resident asked for assistance on his “million dollar” water bill. He had a few leaks fixed, but it took some time to get that situated. Although it was noted he’s been responsible with paying down the large charges, the council considered denying his request because they’ve denied forgiveness on water bills for other residents. They will readdress the matter at a future meeting, given his extenuating circumstances.
- Burns reported Well 3 is still offline and requested water restrictions remain in place until the well is back online.
- Gravel and grading was scheduled for “the village.”
- Lewis said he’d like Sodaville’s ordinances to be in better alignment with Linn County’s ordinances, to reduce confusion.