Council hears update on water extension project along Albany Bypass

Posted December 10, 2014 at 8:44 pm

Albany City Council met in regular session for the final time this year last Tuesday, December 2 with five of six members present. The meeting was brief with only a few items of business on the agenda.

Albany Mayor Smith first gave a brief update on the only ongoing water related project, that being the proposal to extend a 12-inch water line along the bypass from the Perry Hay farm north to the Hwy. 738 intersection.

A preliminary study and cost estimate has been completed with the project to cost approximately $1.9 million. Funding would come from a combination of grants and low-interest loans from USDA’s Rural Development program.

Engineers are now conducting other preliminary work, including an environmental assessment, which is expected to be completed by mid-January. Once the assessment has been completed a formal application will be submitted to the USDA for consideration.

In other business, the council:

* Voted to declare four push mowers and a Stihl chainsaw as surplus property and sell via sealed bids.

* Voted to purchase “back-up” cameras for all of the larger fire and tanker trucks for safety measures, at an estimated cost of about $150 per camera.

* Entered into a 10-minute closed session to discuss possible litigation but took no action upon returning to open session.

Prior to adjourning, council members noted that the Christmas at Home food and toy drive is underway and more donations of both food and toys are needed prior to the December 15 drop-off date.

Anyone wishing to donate to the program or wanting more information may contact hall or call 387-6011.

The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for January 6 at 5 p.m. at city hall and is open to the general public.