By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Sept. 8, the councilmembers had a discussion regarding the Title VI Physical Environment (Utilities Sanitary System, and the Water System) pertaining to the updates 2025 City Code of Ordinances. City Administrator Lisa Grossman and Public Works Director Ismael Galvan highlighted the most significant changes. One area of discussion was private citizens having water/sewer work done that involves the city’s right of way.
“The big one that I want to talk about, we don’t really have a specific permit. We have an application for work in the right of way,” Grossman said. “The fees are $150 to hook up to the water and the sewer each.”
Galvan said he feels those fees are in line with other municipalities in the area.
Grossman also said that the city could require an excavation permit and could require a bond from whoever is doing the actual work. That way, if problems arise that impact the city, they could have some options to cover the costs.
After discussion, Grossman said the ordinance could be worded to say the city “may require a bond.” She explained this would allow the city some discretion based on the work to be done and the individual or company that would do the work. The council consensus was for Grossman to pursue that wording and bring it to an upcoming council meeting for consideration.
Galvan reported that the city completed the repair on the 12-inch sewer pipe along Highway 44, and the blockage has been cleared. He said the city will now be able to “camera” the area to inspect for any issues.
Grossman reported on progress at Michael Mills Park. She said the basketball court is installed, and the painting of lines is yet to be done.
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).