Council Sets Recall, Raises Utilities

The Blue Hill City Council met on Tuesday, July 14 for their regular monthly meeting. Based upon recommendations from Webster County Clerk, Lonnie Knehans, the council selected Tuesday, August 18, as the date for the required recall election of Coucilman Andy Alber. Blue Hill native, Kevin Kort, initiated the recall process and submited 134 valid signatures to force the recall election. The election will proceed unless Alber resigns and the Council accepts his resignation prior to August 2, the recall election will proceed. The council also took action to amend electric rates. For residential customers, monthly customer service charges will doubled from $5.50 per month to $11.00 per month. All electric users will see a 10% increase in their usage rates. The council refered to the recommendations from Utilities Manager, Mark Kumke, and a previous electric rate study in making their decision. Councilmember John Schwab was the lone dissenter in the vote to adjust utility rates. (Councilman Andy Alber was not present.) In other business, the council approved the Platte for the Koepke subdivision, approved the installation of 2 reserved parking spaces for fitness center permit holders (intended for physical therapy patience who may or may not have a handicap parking sticker), approved the purchase of entrance mats for city facilities, and implemented policies regarding swimming pool operations and providing for City Hall to remain open during the noon hour. Discussion was also held on illegally parked vehicles, curb and gutter payments, raising utility deposits, animal holes at the north park, possible implementation of an incentive program to entice a Sheriff's Deputy to reside in Blue Hill, parking in front of City Hall, grant opportunities for facility improvements to the Community Senior Center, and proposed personnel policies and job descriptions. Cassie Ivey of the Blue Hill Leader also inquired about the Mayor or a councilmember submitting a periodic column.