GRAYVILLE COUNCIL APPROVES NEW BENCHES, TABLES, TREE SALE

The Grayville City Council approved the purchase of new park benches, tabled action on the sale of 14 trees, and received updates on several city projects during its 22-minute meeting Monday evening. Treasurer Sharon Walden reported the city currently has more than $3.5 million in assets, including more than $1.5 million invested in certificates of deposit recently renewed at Citizens National Bank. Council approved the purchase of eight recycled plastic benches from Greentree Plastics at a cost of $3,661, to be paid from the city’s revolving loan fund. Mayor Travis Thompson said five six-foot benches will be installed in the uptown area, while three four-foot benches will be placed around the park pond. City engineer Rex Gower of Milano and Grunloh updated council members on progress at the Albion-Grayville water treatment plant and the city’s wastewater treatment plant improvement project, which is being funded in part by a $1 million grant. Utility Manager Scott Irvine reported on culvert replacements and other maintenance projects. Mayor Thompson also announced the city will conduct a brush pickup route following storm damage from Sunday night’s severe weather. In other business, the council approved meeting dates, times, and locations for the coming year, approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Poseyville for gas department service assistance, and authorized the sale of excess city-owned property at 117 E. Martin Street and 611 Water Street. Action on the proposed annexation of 1309 N. Main Street was tabled pending completion of a property survey. Commissioners also approved the first reading of Ordinance 976, which updates the city’s utility billing, disconnection, and fee procedures. During public comments, Jean Carr thanked the council for removing language that landlords feared could have made them responsible for unpaid utility bills incurred by tenants. The council also reviewed two bids for the purchase of 14 trees near the city park. John K. Jones submitted a bid of $2,792, while JHT Robertson Lumber bid $4,300. Commissioners voted to table the matter until additional information can be gathered about the trees. Before adjourning, the council accepted the resignation of Miranda Morris from the Grayville Library Board and appointed Terri Garman to fill the vacancy.