Manila City Council met and discussed projects and employee bonuses at a special called meeting on Monday. Mayor Wayne Wagner presented drawings of a proposed expansion and improvements to the Manila swimming pool, commenting the pool project will need to go to bid.
The council discussed the project and voted unanimously to move forward with the bidding process.
“Some of the work will depend on the seep water,” Mayor Wagner said.
They also discussed the concrete work, building the concession stand, lighting, and playground equipment. Councilman Jason Baltimore presented new renderings of the playground equipment. “We listened to the people and and added what they wanted, including handicapped swing, and handicapped access to the other playground equipment,” he said.
Baltimore added the cost is more with the handicapped equipment but it will be something for all of the children. The playground equipment is divided between two age groups, 2-5 and 5-12. A turnkey job was estimated at $130,000. City officials are looking into a $50,000 grant and if it is awarded, will help with the cost. If the playground equipment is ordered by the first of the year it will be here by March. The council agreed to get the playground equipment ordered by the first of the year.
The next project discussed was bids for the GPS read water meters.
Mayor Wagner said it looks as if the city will need to add about 400 transmitters to the newer, existing meters; 100 to 200 meters will have to be moved; and 400 to 500 of the older meters will have to be replaced. Some are buried and others cannot be found. The council voted unanimously to go to bid for the meters. Mayor Wagner said it will be a big undertaking.
Meters will be read on a daily basis. All council members, Wendell Poteet, Dale Murphy, Jason Baltimore, William Barnhart, Steven Milligan and Donnie Wagner, were present. The council voted to give all full time employees a $1,100 Christmas bonus; pro-rate the amount for part-time employees; and $250 for firefighters. The bonuses will be given out on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Councilman Wagner suggested the city look into getting protective clothing and waders for employees that have to go in and repair broken sewer lines, etc. The council changed the regular December meeting from Monday, Dec. 16 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11.