Washington’s City Council passed two ordinances, heard the introduction of an ordinance for the City Electric Superintendent to receive overtime pay in certain situations, and heard Mayor David Rhoads give the State of the City address at Monday night’s meeting.
The first ordinance creates a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in the downtown area between Meridian and East Sixth Street on the east and west and South Street and VanTrees Street on the north and south. The second ordinance passed on a suspension of the rules approved a change to the plat of the Genesis Commercial plat on State Road 57 across from Bobe’s Pizza Express. The plot change redesigned the original entry and exit roads to allow for a drive-through coffee and beverage shop.
The Council also heard the first reading of an ordinance that would allow the City’s Electric Superintendent to receive overtime pay when leading crews on mutual aid situations in other locations. The overtime will be paid by the location receiving the aid.
In other business, the Council heard a request from Christina Davis for the City to recognize and support Rare Disease Day in the City on Friday, February 28. The mayor told Davis that the city would help distribute information about the cause.
The Council also heard a report from Daviess County Economic Development Executive Director Bob Grewe. Grewe outlined potential expansion plans for M&C Tech, a possible fuel center near the I-69 exchange, the economic developments at WestGate, and possible improvements at the Washington I-69 exit.
Washington Clerk-Treasurer Beth McGookey presented the Council the annual financial report for the City and the Redevelopment Authority.
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Rhoads gave his State of the City Address. The mayor said the third phase of the old U.S. 50 project is nearly done, and that the fourth phase, from SR 257 to State Street, should be done by the end of the year. The mayor also noted the hard work by all city employees. Among the things the mayor highlighted were the Washington police responding to 10,263 calls and initiating 168 detective cases; the fire department made 910 runs, and animal control dealt with 750 animals (42% from the city and 58% from the county). The mayor also noted that over 10,000 residents made use of the city’s recycling. You can hear Mayor Rhoad’s complete State of the City message by going to the WAMW website at www.wamwamfm.com.
Following the council meeting, the Board of Public Works and Safety met and approved moving Fireman Matt Pride to the rank of lieutenant. The Council also approved the cancellation of outstanding checks and warrants that have been issued by the city but not cashed for an extended period of time. Clerk-Treasurer Beth McGookey said letters had been sent to the holders of the checks, and there has been no response.
