By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council on Sept. 22, the councilmembers discussed the ongoing Ludwig/Winkleblack nuisance abatement status. Dennis Ludwig said a shed will be erected on the property to house the items of concern. At the request of Ludwig and Winkleblack, the council approved a 14-day extension (until Oct. 6) for the property to be in compliance with city ordinance.
Rod Rumelhart (Hometown Insurance) described the status of the city’s insurance coverage. He said the city has had few claims, which helps keep costs down. He noted the city owns roughly $24 million in property, which costs around $55,000 per year to insure (or $2.24 per $1,000 in valuation).
“This has been a good year so far,” Rumelhart said.
Rumelhart shared several savings the city has or will likely receive, including a $4,500 savings he negotiated with the insurer and an expected dividend of approximately $13,000. The councilmembers unanimously approved the insurance renewal.
The council approved appointing Brandon Monaghan to the MJB Library Board and to accept the resignation of Marcia Priestley from the library board.
City Administrator Kris Arasmith shared information on savings the city will likely see due to little usage of the city’s Workers Comp coverage.
“We also will get some type of a credit back on our Worker’s Comp insurance. We will get a little over $5,000,” Arrasmith said. “Kudos to our employees for being safe.”
The councilmembers had brief discussion about setting a date for trick-or-treating. Because of the likelihood of a high school football playoff game on Oct. 31, the city had considered setting trick-or-treat on Oct. 30 but then realized the school has parent-teacher conferences on that date.
No formal action was taken at this time.
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.