Holly Fire Department Discusses Water & Electric Issues with Trustees

Kyle Neil, Holly Fire Chief, wants to improve reaction time to requests to cut electric power at future fires.  He said there was a slower than normal reaction time on a power cutoff request this past summer, during the Old Gym fire.  Neil approached the Holly Trustees with the situation during their monthly meeting, Wednesday, October 2, stating this was a specific safety problem for the firemen.  Another problem that was discussed was a dry hydrant due to a water line that was broken or shut off at the school construction site.  Neil mentioned that locating the hydrants could be a problem as well, stating, “I want to start taking the department members around the town to mark their positions.  We can’t waste time looking for one when we need it.”  The Trustees favored the idea and Administrator, Marsha Willhite, said maps for the hydrants should be available.  The periodic performance testing of all the hydrants in town was also reviewed.  Mayor Brad Simon said all the hydrants were tested through the year. 

The 2014 annual contract with the Prowers County Sheriff was approved following discussion by the Trustees.  The annual agreement pays the Sheriff’s department $51,000 for patrol services amounting to a basic 2,080 hours a year.  The cost of a replacement vehicle is also paid for by the town.  Administrator Willhite said a new model will be purchased for 2014, but the town has already begun to roll budgeted monthly payments from 2013 into the future purchase price.  Trustee Jerry Jones remarked that he’d like to see more of a presence in the community by the Sheriff’s patrol. 

Roof repairs for the town’s library and theater were reviewed.  The Trustees decided the best course would to repair sections of the theater and recoat for weatherproofing.  Some new foam would be required along the roof and wall which would be recoated and then the entire roof would be recoated later.  A more detailed discussion with two roof repair bidders will be done prior to any action on the library roof. 

An offer from the Unison Company to purchase the AT&T Utility contract from the city was discussed, but no action taken, pending a further review of the offer with the town attorney.  Action on the town’s zoning ordinance was tabled.  Administrator Willhite was directed by the Trustees to continue discussion with Reliable Power Consultants on the best options for the purchase of electric transformers.  Of the two quotes submitted to Holly, one appears to offer the most advantages, but a final price agreement needs to be negotiated.  The Trustees discussed a request for a utility remediation from a local customer.  The general feeling was that the problem developed on the customer’s side of the transformer, but their request will be submitted to the town’s insurance provider for a clarification.  The Trustees next regular meeting is set for Wednesday, November 6 at 7pm.

By Russ Baldwin