BY BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The weather is warm (sometimes hot!), the activities are multiple and flourishing, and thoughts of a new year are far in the future.
Unless, that is, you are a member of the Rickord Administration and Decatur City Council.
At council’s latest meeting, Mayor Dan Rickord pointed to the need to begin turning thoughts to next year’s budget. Yes, the 2025 budget!
He said department heads need to start thinking of new budget numbers, and that he and Clerk-Treasurer Kevin Hackman would begin meetings with them.
Also, the mayor noted, it’s time to give some preliminary thoughts to 2025 raises for city employees.
AND SO ON: Also at the meetings of city council and the city’s board of works:
* Final approval went to a handicap parking space at 247 N. Sixth St.
* The board of works gave the okay to have a Slow Children At Play sign on W. Deer Run Creek. Local resident Bob Becker had informed the board that numerous children play in a cul-de-sac area there and vehicle speeds pose a danger.
The street department will determine where the sign is placed.
* Due to various discrepancies, the board of works rejected all quotes received for Phase 3 of the improvement plans for the S. 13th St. corridor.
The project includes signalization and handicap improvements at the intersection of S 13th and Winchester St. Extended.
* Council unanimously approved making a $2,500 contribution to the Chamber of Commerce’s July 4th fireworks show, at the Chamber’s request.
* Barb Engle returned to her post as the keeper of record for the minutes of the council meeting. She had been out following surgery, with Cherie Bienz of the clerk-treasurer’s office filling in.