In a report given at Monday’s Centralia City Council meeting, Public Works Director Jeff Schwartz said that work on the new water treatment plant is nearing completion and the plant is on track to become operational by late October of this year. All equipment at the plant is expected to be installed by August. Then, water department employees will be given time to train and become familiar with operating the new, modernized plant which will output nearly twice as much water as the current plant.
The city has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with the Policemen’s Benevolent Labor Committee representing seven command officers within the police department. The new agreement includes changes consistent with the city’s new agreement for patrolmen with the Fraternal Order of Police signed earlier this year. City Manager Galen Mahle said that with both new agreements completed, patrolmen who are promoted to command positions should be able to transition seamlessly between unions. Wages increase at a rate of 9% for sergeants and 16% for lieutenants.
The council accepted bids for the demolition of 14 blighted properties as part of the IHDA Strong Communities Grant totaling $142,464. Two bids were declined due to public works staff determining that the demolitions could be completed more cost effectively using city personnel and equipment. Remaining funds from the $357,000 grant are being put toward acquiring and demolishing additional blighted properties.
Following a public hearing prior to the meeting, the council approved an ordinance vacating the alley running north and south between Broadway and Noleman Avenue between St. Mary’s Church and Peoples National Bank. The alley is being vacated to improve safety and security for church and school properties. St. Mary’s Church will pay a fee of $800.
The council also passed an ordinance to vacate a portion of right-of-way on Swan Avenue for Intermountain Electronics and Barred Choice that has created congestion and traffic flow issues. The right-of-way will be vacated to the two adjoining parcels, and Intermountain Electronics will pay a fee of $1,285.
The council gave approval for two fireworks displays on Saturday, July 4: one by the Centralia Lake Association on Centralia Lake, and one by American Legion Post #446 at Fairview Park.
