The purpose of a special meeting of the Rushville City Utilities board Thursday at City Council Chambers was to discuss a Community Focus grant application for a proposed sanitary sewer improvements project. However, much of the meeting dealt with the contract with EMC, which ends Dec. 31.

Trena Carter of Administrative Resources administration presented figures for the proposed project totaling $753,101 which included rehabilitation of the Julian Lift Station for $102,300 as well as manhole repairs, pipe replacement and other needed work to the system.

According to Carter, the maximum grant amount would be $600,000, leaving City Utilities to come up with $153,000 if bids do not come in over the estimated cost.

After discussing various resources for the difference, the board authorized Carter to move forward with the application process.

The topic dominating the rest of the meeting was the contract between City Utilities and Environmental Management Corporation. The contract was entered into Aug. 16, 2000 and ends Dec. 31, 2009.

The utility board announced at its recent regular meeting that a decision had been made during an executive session June 16 to terminate EMC’s contract effective July 31. That action was rescinded and the board voted Thursday not to renew the contract when it ends in December. Economic savings were the basic reason for the change.

EMC and the Rushville City Council will be notified and the board will advertise for the superintendent’s position. Current superintendent Les Day will be allowed to apply for the position.  

In a related matter, Gina Jenkins, office manager, informed the board that some of the employees would like an opportunity to voice their support for Day. The consensus of the board was that although the board has the final decision it would be good for the employees to have input and be informed of what is going on. No date was set for a meeting.

Jenkins also was recognized as having the authority to set office hours. Starting Aug. 1, the City Utility office will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Employees’ hours will not be effected, with the last half hour being used to complete each day’s work.

Also at the regular meeting the board was reorganized with Michael Singleton becoming the board’s new president and Tim Sheehan becoming the new secretary.

Jan Voiles can be contacted at jan.voiles@rushvillerepublican.com or at (765) 932-2222 ext. 107. Add a comment to this story at www.rushvillerepublican.com