By Terry Bailey
The Beloit City Council conducted their bi-weekly business meeting at City Hall Wednesday evening, November 20, 2024.
All Councilors were present with the exception of Lee McMillan. Also in attendance were City Manager Halley Roberson, City Attorney Katie Schroeder, and City Clerk Amanda Lomax.
In her report, City Manager Roberson:
• The RAW water line has been successfully bored under the railroad tracks. Eventually, the water line should be connected to the water plant.
• Reported that Olson Architects need to provide more information to the City so that plans can be drawn up for a new hanger at Moritz Airport.
• There is currently a 40% tax incentive for building a new addition to the solar farm. Batteries are also part of this tax rebate process.
• The 30 year agreement with Beloit Country Club will soon be up. The Country Club uses waste water to irrigate the fairways at the Golf Course. Currently the Country Club pays a rate of five cents per thousand for the water. City Manager Roberson said, "Five cents per thousand was worth a lot more thirty years ago than it is today."
• Roberson told the Councilors that a rate of one dollar per thousand gallons would be more appropriate in the economy of 2024. She suggested a steady rate of increases over a period of time rather than one big jump all at once.
Beloit Chief of Police Chad Lackey told the Council that the new Durango patrol vehicle is now at the lighting vendor for the installation of lights.
He said the grant that was applied for with the Hansen Foundation to help pay for the new radar signs was declined.
Lackey reported the Veteran's Day Parade was a success again this year. This event continues to be a source of pride for the City.
Chief Lackey said he had been invited by the Kansas Law Enforcement Association to serve as a District Governor for the six-county North Central Division. He said it was quite an honor to be selected to serve as a District Governor.
Emily Benedick, Economic Development Director, told the Council that she has applied for an EPA grant to eliminate the asbestos from the old Administration Building at the North Campus. She said they will not know until May if their proposal has been accepted.
City Attorney Katie Schroeder reported that some properties have been or will be identified as unfit structures. If the property owners want to work with the City to avoid this identification they will need to meet with City Officials to develop a plan to improve the properties.
A strong discussion developed over the property located at 627 East Main. The owner of the property has decided to donated it to the Cornerstone Ministries. The property has a good frame structure but has numerous cosmetic problems. It is hope the house can be salvaged and become a suitable residence.
All three members of the Beloit Land Bank Board were reappointed to another three-year term.
The business meeting was adjourned, and the Work Session was called to order.
City Attorney Schroeder reported she had discussed the contract for the farm ground near the Sewer Facility with the tenant. She had pointed out to Mr. Thiessen that an additional solar farm is being considered by the City. It this happens it could have a significant impact on the number of acres available at the site for farming.
Roberson told the Council that City Clerk Amanda Lomax has toiled long and hard to apply for grant money to be applied to the North Walnut improvement plan. Roberson said Lomax's efforts have paid off. The City has been awarded $1 million in grant money apply to the North Walnut Street improvement plan. The total estimated cost of this improvement is about $3 million. The $1 million in grant funds will significantly reduce the amount of cash the city will have to contribute to the total cost.