Gas spill updates, dog park grant planning and approval, and fee adjustments for city services
Meeting Highlights
During the first public comment period, Rick from the Tire Shop offered a statement on the recent tanker turnover in front of his store, at Santori’s corner. He was very complimentary of the emergency response.
At the beginning of City Manager Mary Babcock’s report, Hancock Police Chief Wayne Butler also gave an update on the Santori’s corner spill. His report included information on the condition of the tanker truck, the crash investigation, and other details. Butler said they were pursuing some greater signage on the corner to help prevent future spills.
He also updated the council on some events happening in the next couple of weeks that the department will be involved in, and the recent struggle to find new officers.
During the remainder of the manager’s report, Babcock gave updates on local construction projects, the preparations for the upcoming Canal Run, grant proposals, and more.
The council discussed and approved a rate increase for several permits and city services, including fence permit inspections, copies of things like the zoning ordinance and master plan, and dump truck rental.
The council had a discussion about a request from Oak House for a break on their water bill, in light of their nonprofit status and financial strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. They eventually agreed on a limited-scope rebate rather than an ongoing rate reduction.
Also, the council approved an application for a matching grant for the dog park in development. The grant requires a $20,000 fundraised match, and there will be a fundraising campaign launched for that purpose soon.