City Manager's Report
Greetings! Our sincere thanks to the Glenn W. Peel Foundation for their approval of funding of the pool repair equipment and bathrooms at Lions’ Park. Equipment is now on order and we are waiting on its delivery. The equipment will allow us to replace the pool pump, motor, filtration system and repair the expansion joints in the pool. We will also move forward with replacing the bathrooms at Lions’ Park. This will also allow us to begin the splash pad for Lions’ Park, as well. Thank you so much!
Road Repairs. The City continues work on compiling a list for new road repairs. Our thanks to the County for their help in grating roads on the east side of town. Work continues on repairing alleys around town, including 4th Street.
Public Works. City crews have been working to repair leaks in town including N. K, W. 7th, W. Plum, and at Lions’ Park. Otherwise, work is nearly complete on adapting the meter lids. Lead and copper testing letters were sent last week to our citizen testing sites. Our thanks to those who are helping us meet our water testing requirements. A sewer line was also repaired near the pool. The electric department completed pole work at the No. 1 Lift Station and on 1st Street. Otherwise, many trees have been trimmed in the area of I St. to clear power lines.
Emergency Services. The Fire Department continues maintenance and repairs on several vehicles as parts become available. All vehicles remain in service. The department continues work on gathering information to add for our ISO rating, and completed occupancy loads for the courthouse in anticipation of a June opening. On the police side, training continues going well for both new officers. The department is also waiting on the installation of the ODIS system this week. The department is also preparing to host 2 trainings this summer.
Staffing. The City is taking resumes for the position of City Treasurer.
Donations, Grants & Projects. As mentioned in the last report, demolition of the current lift station should begin on April 22nd, and should take approximately two weeks. Construction will follow, at the beginning of May. In the meantime, the project electrician has been preparing the site with power so demo can begin. The project will have an inspector onsite daily to monitor progress. The engineer continues work on completing plans for the lagoons. The City will put the project out for bid once plans are finalized. Work continues on the preparation of the income survey to apply for CDBG funding. The project manager for the site readiness program contacted the City stating that the property submitted to the program is progressing to the next stage. Additional information will be prepared over the next few months for site evaluation. As mentioned, the equipment for the pool is on order. We are moving forward on the plans for the Lions’ Park bathroom. The City met with ODOT on the 90% construction plans for the sidewalks along South St. and Main St. The project is still slated for 2026. BNSF completed work on the railroad crossings. Their project will now move north of town.
Financials. At the end of April, 83% of the fiscal year will elapse. Financial information for April will be available at the first meeting in May. In March, revenue was up 3.9% for the month, but remained down 9.4% for the fiscal year. Expenses were also down 11.4% for the fiscal year. Total revenue continues to remain above total expenses for the year. Department budgets are running 4.2% under budget for the year.
Events. City offices will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.
Ryan Smykil
Newkirk City Manager