City Encourages Residents to Keep Ditches Clean

By superadmin | April 16, 2025

By Mark Requet

The Shelbina City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at city hall.

Unfinished Business

A discussion was held about getting four security cameras at the golf course and what the budget would be for this project. Superintendent Brian Fifer stated Preston Wood and Wes Mefford were looking at options, but they needed a better idea of what the council was wanting to spend on the security cameras. Mayor Al Dimmitt asked what the main objectives would be to acquire the cameras and was told it would help limit theft and damage.

“We’ve had vandalism, people have had stuff stolen, and we’ve had two doors kicked in,” Fifer added.

They said it may help with non-paying customers as well, depending on the system that was bought.

A motion was second and approved for a budget of $2,500 for cameras and installation.

New Business

A short discussion was held about advertising for the Golf Course Restaurant through the Shelby County Herald twice a month for $35 each time until it closes in the fall. A motion was second and approved to advertise twice a month throughout the season.

The golf course got a new payment system this year and no longer has a receipt printer for

customers. A motion was second and approved to purchase a receipt printer for the Golf Course for $285.99.

A short discussion was held regarding the fence across the alley East of 6th Street that is blocking the City’s access to electric poles. With the alley still belonging to the city, Fifer said he would talk to the owner about removing the fence.

A short discussion was held regarding the Water Plant and Pool Chemical Bids for 2025-2026. The total cost is $84,154.80. A motion was second and approved to go with the lowest bids.

The original plans for the new Influent Pump Station at the WWTF need to be revised due to excess flow encountered during the last two rain events. After consultations with engineers, it has been determined that an upgrade to the pumps is necessary. This upgrade, which will cost $29,000, involves increasing the pump size from 10HP to 14HP and upgrading the outlet size from 4” to 6”. A motion was second and approved to increase the pump sizes.

A discussion was held regarding the Sewer Tapping Fee. Currently, the ordinance charges a $500 fee, which does not cover the full costs of rock, equipment, and labor for the tap. The new fee structure will include the costs of rock backfill, materials, equipment (including tapping saddles), street repair, and labor. A new ordinance will be drafted requiring customers to pay a $500 deposit, with an additional charge for the actual cost of equipment and materials. This additional charge may be eligible for a payment plan.

The city received a Spring into Action Grant for a beautification project at Shelbina Lake for a max of $2,000. Members of City Council plan to focus on cleaning up the middle entrance and hope to move forward with this effort. At the next meeting, they will make a motion to proceed with landscaping work.

Ordinances and Resolutions

A motion was seconded and approved for Resolution #25-06, which was presented, to accept Hawkins, Inc. for 2025-2026 Water Plant Chemical Bids and Pool Chemical Bids.

A motion was seconded and approved for Resolution #25-07, which was presented, to accept Brenntag Mid-South for 2025-2026 Water Plant Chemical Bids and Pool Chemical Bids.

A motion was seconded and approved for Resolution #25-08, which was presented, to accept Univar Solutions for 2025-2026 Water Plant Chemical Bids and Pool Chemical Bids.

A motion was seconded and approved Resolution #25-09, which was presented, to accept S J Smith for 2025-2026 Water Plant Chemical Bids.

Other Business

The City Council was asked to pay John Wilcox the income taxes from the Rash Trust Fund. A motion was seconded and approved for these payments.

The City Council was asked to make an investment to Shelby County Economic Development for $2,500. A motion was seconded and approved in favor of this investment.

Budget Review

The council had a question about the interest that is being paid in the checking account. There is a need to discuss potential improvement projects that could be done with interest. There will be a Finance Meeting to discuss this and the Budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday, May 6th, at 5:30 p.m.

Department Reports

Mayor Dimmitt Spoke about the Shelby County Economic Development. He said Shelby County CARES gave a presentation at their last meeting.

City Attorney Jim McConnell said he is still working on several projects for the city, but he has been busy doing taxes. He said he hopes to get those projects done soon.

Marshal Jeff Brown said they have some public relations stuff going on. He said Amy and Ashley have been dealing with nuisance issues, such as abandoned cars, cleaning the property up, and tall grass, among other things. He told the council the two new officers are currently in the academy and doing well.

City Clerk Jordan Mahaffey gave her report and mentioned that hats and koozies for the golf course will soon be ready for the golf course. She mentioned they completed 11 disconnects earlier this month and have 11 more to do once the weather permits. She reported there is a City Officials Training Seminar coming up on May 2, which will cover a lot of beneficial topics for a cost of $35 per attendee if anyone was interested in attending. She said they were also working on getting accounts that were in personal names switched over to the City of Shelbina, such as Verizon and Sam’s Club.

City Superintendent: Brian Fifer reported several ongoing and upcoming projects in the city. These include the extension of the gas line on Chestnut to serve USB, storm cleanup with brush pickup, and ongoing water service re-taps. Additionally, Lake Road has been regraded for better maintenance, and electric poles are being replaced to ensure safety and reliability.

Cleaning Ditches

Fifer mentioned the importance of residents cleaning out their ditches to help prevent backed up culverts and ditches to improve drainage throughout the city. Fifer said they spent two days cleaning out ditches so water can flow better after the last heavy rain.

Councilman Curt Hines complimented Fifer and the city employees for the good work they have been doing in the city. Mahaffey added that a community member complimented the city for purchasing the golf carts from a local vendor.

Closed Session

A motion was seconded and approved to rehire Seth Rupp for Police Officer Reserves.

A motion was seconded and approved to hire Caroline Linberger as Pool Manager, Amarra Nelson as Assistant Pool Manager, and to also hire the lifeguards for the Shelbina Aquatic Center.

Other News

• approved the agenda as presented.

• approved the consent agenda items.

• approved bills as presented.

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