The city of Durant began advertising for a public works position several weeks ago. By the May 26 Durant city council meeting, there had been zero applications submitted. The deadline for applying was June 1, but City Clerk Deana Cavin said they might need to re-evaluate at the next meeting if no applications were turned in.
The city is hiring for a full-time public works position. Applications are available at www.cityofdurantiowa.com. No emailed applications will be accepted. Applications may also be mailed to: PW Position, city of Durant, P.O. Box 818, Durant, IA 52747.
It was later confirmed that as of press time, there had been one applicant thus far.
Durant to apply for GIS grant
City officials had already budgeted $40,000 for the creation of a geographic information system (GIS) which public works would be able to use in an app to capture and keep track of water, sanitary sewer and storm water infrastructure. At last week’s meeting, they were presented with a grant opportunity through Iowa’s Rural Innovation Grant program that could help offset the projected cost.
Officials chose to support the grant application, which could match up to $20,000 for the project. Cavin said that the project had been budgeted to be paid over the next three years, but if the grant is approved the city could pay for the new system in one year.
Miscellany
In other action, council:
* Opened the meeting with the approval of the agenda, approval of city bills and approval of the minutes for the May 11 council meeting.
* Approved resolution 2020-20 authorizing a transfer of funds.
* Approved the renewal of cigarette permits for Casey’s General Store and Jeff’s Market with no objections from the police department.
* Approved a quote for a sonic wall device for the water plant at a cost not to exceed $1,698.17.
* Police Chief Orville Randolph told officials he expected plans for the Doug Cook memorial to be presented at the next meeting.
* City Hall and public parks opened June 1. Signs will be posted with guidelines. Public works is planning to disinfect restrooms every morning to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
All council members and mayor Scott Spengler were present. All action taken was unanimous unless otherwise noted. The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 8 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.