Gleason Board Raises Question Regarding Water Meter Project
Questions were raised at the August 19 board meeting regarding water meter replacement started by the Public Works Department. Alderman Tommy Hodges stated that the board never approved water meter replacements.
Gleason Mayor Charles Anderson addressed the issue stating that when the city received word they were going to receive ARP money, that the board voted to use that money for water meters and sewer.
“Yes, we did vote to make the sewer projects a priority and they are and much of that work has already been done,” Anderson stated.
Anderson informed the board that M&M’s Pipe Service completed the cleaning and camera work with the next phase to be started soon. BAM has been identifying lead, copper, galvanized and plastic pipes in the meters for the city as well. Anderson explained that the funds left over from the sewer project would go towards the meters and that both projects would be done simultaneously.
“We can’t guarantee that we’re going to have enough money to complete the sewer project-that was the whole issue. We were concerned that we weren’t going to have enough money to complete the sewer project. That was the board’s decision to delay the water meters until we saw that we could complete that sewer project,” Alderman Wade Cook stated.
Water Department Superintendent Tony Terrell addressed the issue by saying that when it was brought up that they would stop working on water and work soley on sewer as it that had already been through the bid process.
City Attorney Beau Pemberton pulled the minutes from the April meeting which stated, “Alderman Wade Cook made the motion to delay the start of the water meter project and prioritize the sewer project before starting on the water meters.” The motion passed.
Pemberton informed the board that he would look into whether the money was already appropriated or not and if the money could even be moved between the two projects or if they have dedicated line items for use.
“That’s going to be the thing-the board made a motion, but when you have grant money that’s dedicated for a specific use, it has to be applied for that intended purpose,” Pemberton said.
The question remains whether the city can halt a project where the money has been earmarked and hold off until another project where money has been allocated and separated.
“My understanding was that the intent was that those meters could fit the scope, “Cook stated.
Anderson explained that when the grant was first received they were awarded 1.4 million and that it was decided in the fall of 2023 for the money to go to water and sewers.
“I understand the motion, but that’s what the original money was to be spent for and that’s what it’s going to be spent for,” Anderson said.
Cook requested that the records be pulled.
“Can’t do it right now, but the work will proceed. We’re getting both simultaneously,” Anderson responded.
Cook questioned Anderson regarding him going against the will of the board no matter what and Anderson stated that the board approved the use of the money to start with and that the city would be moving forward with it.
Pemberton stated that he would pull everything before the next board meeting so that everyone could have a clearer picture.
NEWS NOTES:
NEW OFFICER: The city of Gleason hired a new police officer. Lee Rappold started Thursday, August 22. He is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He is uncertified so the police department will be sending him to the academy and are waiting on the academy to get back to them with a start date. Rappold currently directs school traffic.
CITIZENS COMMENT: A petition was put together by citizens living on West Main Street for a speed bump to be installed on that street. Police Chief Marcus Hopper stated that he couldn’t put a speed bump without permission from the board, but that the speed bump had already been purchased previously with LESO funds to test them out for safety. The purchase came at no cost to taxpayers. The speed bump would be permanent to the pavement. The board voted unanimously to approve placing the speed bump on West Main.
TENNESSEE RIVER BASIN AUTHORITY: The board approved unanimously to allow the TN River Basin Authority to dredge problem ditches in the city. This would be free of charge, but the city would be responsible for purchasing the rock which would cost approximately $7,000 and would need to be bid out.
