The Herreid City Council accepted a bid to paint the water tower, held the first reading on a water rate increase ordinance and a supplemental budget ordinance, and viewed film on several of the city’s sewer lines at their meeting Monday night, Oct. 6.

The last inspection on the interior of the water tower showed some areas that were starting to rust, and the inspector had recommended that it be repainted. The council accepted a quote of $19,980 from Maguire Iron of Sioux Falls to repaint the interior. The work will be completed in the Spring of 2009.

The last work done on the water tower was in 1995, when it was painted and a bowl was replaced.

The council held the first reading of an ordinance to increase the city’s water rates. At the special council meeting on Sept. 17, the council had discussed a letter they had received from WEB Water about a proposed rate increase. WEB has not made a final decision, but will discuss the issue at their Oct. 16 board meetings.

WEB is proposing a rate increase of 35¢ per 1,000 gallon for bulk users. That would mean an increase of about $5,600 per year for the city based on its current usage.

The council is proposing to raise the base rate by 50¢ per month and 35¢ per 1,000 gallons for usage over the minimum allowed.

The council also held the first reading of a supplemental budget ordinance. The 2008 budget would be amended to add $11,607 for the City Pool, $4,430 for repairs and $932 for the Fairview Cemetery. The monies will come out of the sales tax fund.

A-Tec of Watertown had been in the city recently and had taken footage of several of the city’s sewer lines. The council wanted to know the condition of the sewer lines to see if some of them needed to be replaced when the Main Street work is completed next year.

After viewing the pictures, the council agreed that some areas needed to be repaired and/or replaced and they will be added to the state bid for the Main Street project. The city will be responsible for the cost, but all items will be bid as one on the state bid.

In other business, the council:

• Learned that the parties responsible for cleaning up certain properties have been contacted.

• Discussed lighting for the new addition on the northeast corner of the city. Exact placement of lights will be determined after the streets are in place.

• Learned that the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department had been contacted about loose dogs in the community. The Sheriff’s Department noted that the city needs to enforce their own ordinances. Council members also noted that there have been no problems recently.

• Agreed to have a roofing company look at the roof on the Fitness Center/City Library for possible foam application on the roof.

• Moved to purchase a new computer for the City Finance Office.

• Accepted a bid of $100 from Doug Runge for surplus property at Tower Street and 2nd Ave SW with the stipulation that if the property is not developed or maintained within two years of ownership it will revert back to the city.

• Learned that the recent special election cost approximately $1,400.

• Approved a $250 donation to the Herreid Community Foundation for expenses and approved a request for a donation to the Foundation’s Bingo Night.

• Agreed to pay registration fees for council members who attend the NECOG Annual Meeting Nov. 19 in Aberdeen.

• Approved allowing the Finance Officer to attend the election workshop on Nov. 21 in Pierre.

• Approved Building Permits for Edwin Fischer–move in shed; John Ochsner–replace shingles and paint house; Paul Weisbeck–tear down storage shed and replace with a new one; Elvera Seibel–replace siding; Floyd Beck–replace shingles and deck; Keith Fjeldheim–paint and replace some siding; Cornell Ochsner–move in double-wide house, and Ryan Quaschnick–move in double-wide house.