The Fulton City Council authorized the signing of contracts on bids for the city's sanitary sewer renewal and 10th Street improvement projects Tuesday night during its regular meeting at Fulton City Hall.
The first portion of the meeting was devoted to the council's reorganization following certification of the April 6 municipal election results. Incumbent Jeffrey Stone, of Ward 2, and three new councilpersons - Mike West, of Ward 1; Lauren EH Nelson, of Ward 4; and Alan Combs, of Ward 3 - were all sworn in.
Ward 1 Councilman Ballard Simmons was also elected deputy mayor, replacing Ward 3 Councilman John Braun.
Outgoing council members Rick Shiverdecker, of Ward 4; Lindsey Pace-Snook, of Ward 3; and Valerie Sebacher, of Ward 1, were honored during Tuesday night's meeting. Shiverdecker served 10 years on the council, Pace-Snook served six and Sebacher served two.
Bob Sterner was also honored for his five years of service as city attorney. Sterner was replaced by Eric Palmer Qualls, who ran unopposed in the recent election and was also sworn in Tuesday night.
The council gave its OK for Mayor Lowe Cannell to sign a contract with M&M Landscaping and Construction LLC of Eugene for the sewer project. M&M's low bid out of two submitted was for $282,272.50.
The project covers two locations - 10th Street from Business 54 to State Street, and 2nd Street from Business 54 to State Street.
"When all the recommendations came back, I was very happy to present (M&M) to the city council," City Director of Administration Bill Johnson said.
Council members gave Cannell approval to sign a contract with Ecton Construction of Montgomery City for the 10th Street project. Ecton submitted the lowest bid out of seven for $186,820.34.
The project includes the installation of curb and guttering, driveway approaches and the installation of sidewalks on 10th Street between Business 54 and State Street.
"(Ecton) checked out and we're very pleased with the contractor," Johnson said. "Historically when they've worked on a project, they get in with both feet and get it done."
The council authorized Cannell to sign a five-year lease agreement for the city's pasture land located east of the landfill.
Johnson noted the land had not been "utilized" in the past 25 years, and that the individual leasing the property had agreed to replace the fencing, demolish the barn, pull trees and keep the grass mowed.
"They have a lot of work planned," Johnson said.
Cannell added there was an opt-out clause for both the city and the individual, if necessary.
Council members also heard and authorized the second reading of two ordinances Tuesday night. The first ordinance would repeal and enact a new Chapter 30 on cemeteries in Fulton's city code.
The second ordinance would give Cannell authorization to execute all necessary documents in relation to the Federal Transportation Alternative Program grant for $233,789 that the city received for its Business 54 sidewalk project.
The project will cover the installation of sidewalks on the east side of Business 54, from Collier Lane to Westminster Avenue. Johnson stressed to the council that construction would not take place until 2023.
Council members on Tuesday night also approved a request from Nancy Lewis - on behalf of the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society - to close Ravine Street between 3rd and 5th streets on June 13 for the organization's annual meeting.
The city's annual spring cleanup week continues through Friday along regular pickup routes. Construction debris and tires will not be taken. For more information, contact the Solid Waste Department at 573-592-3176.
"It seems to be going pretty good - I see a lot of junk out on sidewalks," Cannell said. "They've had good weather throughout the week for it and I'm sure the guys are thrilled with that."
The council's next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 27.