The Washington City Council met for their last meeting of the year Monday evening. Council members approved two resolutions transferring funds within departmental budgets. One resolution transferred $8,000 from the Police Department’s equipment to the supply account. The other transferred $12,000 to operating supplies in the Street Department budget. Street Commissioner Bryan Sergesketter said one of the city’s garbage trucks had a major engine failure. The Street Department will have funds to buy parts and do the repair work in-house. The main topic of discussion centered on the Commons project planned for Washington’s Main Street. Daviess County Economic Development Executive Director Bryant Niehoff reviewed the project and said he was excited that the bids for the downtown project came in well below projected costs. The council approved the low bid submitted by Tabor Owens. Niehoff also said he was excited that the low bidder and all subcontractors are local businesses. Niehoff is also excited about the communities’ excitement about the Commons project. The Knights of Columbus have committed $300,000 to the project, another $500,000 has been committed by two unnamed local enterprises, and there continues to be opportunities for other businesses or individuals to help fund the project. The City of Washington pledged $400,000 for five years, and Daviess County is being asked to help with $150,000 for five years. Niehoff said the Commons project has already generated interest from businesses looking to locate on a newly vibrant Main Street. He said the Commons project is one of the things Washington needs to do to attract new business and new residents.
After the council meeting, the Board of Works and Safety met and approved a request for a handicapped parking space at the Centrak Christian Church. The Council also complied with state and federal regulations by approving a preventative maintenance and procedure plan for the transit system. In other action, the Board approved a contract with 120 Water to provide documentation required by the EPA concerning lead control measures in the water system. Board member David Dahl pointed out that Washington’s water does not have any problems with lead, and all regular testing has shown no problems. Dahl reiterated that the contract was to meet federal requirements in order to receive grants. The Board of Works will hold a short meeting to approve payroll on Dec. 27.
