HUMBOLDT Humboldt council members are willing to help support an ambulance station here through payment of utilities, including phone, fax and cable services.
For years ambulances have dispatched from tight quarters attached to the old city hall. Soon, a new station, a block north of the downtown business district, will be built. Another is on tap for Moran.
County commissioners viewed plans a week ago, but asked their architect to take another, and less expensive, stab at the building. Commissioners had talked in terms of $300,000; the plans were for a building costing half again that much.
Exactly what Humboldt will do wont be decided until a little later, although they did toss around an annual contribution of $6,000.
Iolas fire department operates countywide ambulance service. Humboldt Administrator Cole Herder indicated financial support on the citys part would seem to be appropriate.
Council members approved a fiscal sustainability plan for wastewater treatment operations, the equipment needed, and a plan for replacement. Putting $40,000 a year in a reserve fund should keep all up to snuff, Herder said, and may be done without stressing income generated by rates.
The new water plant supervisor, James DePriest, who has extensive experience working at Iolas plant, was introduced. Council members also approved putting water and sewer systems under the thumb of Jeremy Bulk, public works director.
Michael Young told how he wanted to built two patriotic benches to be placed near the public fishing pond at the north edge of town, as an Eagle Scout project. Young, a Humboldt High student, is a member of a Boy Scout troop in Chanute. Council members liked the idea, which will include some improvement to the ponds often-mossy waters.
in other news, council members:
— Approved a proclamation making April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Humboldt, at behest of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Hope Unlimited. They were told abuse cases have declined slightly the past three years but that number of reports had increased.
— Learned Enbridge would provide $2,000 for new tree plantings to recognize April as Safe Digging Month. Herder said 18 diseased ash tree in the downtown square begged removal. He hopes to coordinate replacement through the Enbridge grant, which also will require volunteers to help with planting.
— Were told the Lions Club Easter egg hunt would be Saturday, April 20. Citywide trash pickup will be April 26 north of Bridge Street, April 25 in the south. Brush and limb will be collected on April 29.
— Learned street evaluation bids would be opened Friday. To date, 22 firms have expressed interest.
