SV buys siren, water meters

The city council voted 7-1 to spend an estimated $21,000 to replace the existing siren, which is old and difficult to find parts for repair. Alderman Dan McFadden was the lone no vote because no one could come up with a definite cost of the siren.

“It’s a way of showing my dissatisfaction,” McFadden said.

Prior to the vote, city engineer Jack Kusek and other alderman volleyed various costs back and forth before finally settling on an estimated $21,000.

Kusek said Ameren was willing to provide the pole for the siren. He also said the siren will arrive in about eight to 10 weeks.

A siren wasn’t the only new equipment the city will be getting. Council members also voted to accept the quote from Badger Meter for 100 new water meters for $37,271. This includes software and training to run the software and meters. The initial cost is higher because of training and software.

The new meters will be easier and faster to read than existing models.

In other business:

• The council voted to reimburse Cosgrove Distributors $4,975 for landscaping through the non-tax increment financing district facade program.

• Council members voted to approve the contract between the city and Test Inc. to provide a certified operator for the wastewater and water treatment plants. The city has workers on-site, but none have the required license to be the operator. The city will pay $575 per month for the use of the licensed operator.

• There will be a Finance Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss long-term TIF plans. A Legislative Committee meeting will follow to discuss the proposed gun range within the city limits.

• The city will close the east side entrance to an alley between Sixth and Seventh streets. The entrance is steep and eroded, making it dangerous, especially during the winter. People will still be able to gain access to the alley from the west side.