Hartman Council Reviews Water Loss, Ordinance Questions
by Megan Wylie
The Hartman City Council met Monday, June 8, and reviewed water department finances, discussed potential regulations for small residential structures, and received updates on park improvements and other city projects.
Mayor Jackie Weathers reported the city’s water department ended the period with a loss of $18,132.41, driven largely by two major expenses, including $5,697 paid to Piney Mountain Industrial for a pump rebuild and about $6,200 to replace the city’s SCADA system used to monitor water operations.
“If not for those two big items, we would have been in good shape,” Weathers said. “Next month will tell the tale about whether the water rate increase will help, but it looks like it will.”
The city’s water loss rate remains at 41%, with a difference of 3,360,121 gallons between water purchased from Clarksville Connected Utilities and water sold to customers.
Council members said a leak that had raised concern last month after an unexpected rise in a nearby pond has since been traced to an issue in the Coal Hill area and repaired.
Ordinance On Small Dwellings
Council members revisited concerns raised by Rita Griffin during the May meeting regarding enforcement of ordinances governing small residential structures.
Griffin had raised concerns about whether permit requirements and utility hookups, including water and septic service, were being enforced for all dwellings such as mobile homes, tiny houses and converted sheds.
Weathers said he had previously agreed to review existing ordinances and consult with the city constable, but officials were unable to locate the ordinance referenced.
The Council discussed the need to potentially draft new regulations if the original ordinance cannot be found.
Alderman Larry Roberts said any dwelling must meet basic infrastructure requirements.
“Residential lots have to be large enough to accommodate septic systems and lateral lines before water service can be connected,” Roberts said.
Alderman Earnest Tillery said any rules adopted should be enforceable but should not create problems for existing homes.
“If we make restrictions, we need to enforce them,” Tillery said. “But we don’t want to write something that causes issues for people already here.”
Weathers said the concern centers on small dwellings being placed on lots too small to support proper water and septic systems.
City Treasurer and Recorder Merrie Chrisman and Weathers said they were unable to locate the ordinance in city records. Weathers said he will check filings at the Johnson County Courthouse and, if needed, gather examples from other communities to help draft new language.
Other Matters
–Weathers told the Council paperwork has been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Russellville seeking approval to use the city park for a proposed farmers market. The market had been scheduled to open June 10 but may be delayed until formal approval is received. Organizers plan to carry their own liability insurance.
–The Council selected Jean Elkins as the Yard of the Month recipient for June. The Yard of the Month program will run through September, with one home selected each month.
–Council members reviewed several park improvement projects, including the need for additional infield material at the ball fields to prepare them for winter maintenance.
The city has also received bleachers and dugouts donated by the city of Charleston. Members discussed locating a trailer large enough to transport the equipment.
Weathers noted a flagpole still needs to be installed, adding the city continues to hold about $1,000 in previously donated funds designated for the project.
–Council member Elleen Steele presented a proposed design for a city flag. The Council approved purchasing a 3-by-5-foot all-weather nylon flag for $186 from Freedom and Glory Company of Dallas, Texas. The Council had previously approved creation of a city flag and tasked Steele with developing a design.
–Weathers said Brightspeed’s fiber expansion project is complete and residents can now connect to service, though some residents have reported technical issues and delays in receiving promotional incentives.
Before adjournment, officials announced Westside School will continue serving free breakfast and lunch through July 31, except July 4. Meals are free for children 18 and under, with adult meal pricing not available at the meeting.
May Council Meeting
At the May 11 meeting the Council reviewed the following items:
–Water system losses remained near 40%, with a $5,000 variance expected to show as a gain in the next cycle. Officials said assistance from Rural Water may be used to locate remaining leaks. Testing was ordered for a pond showing rising water levels, suspected to be from an undetected water leak.
–Spadra-Goose Camp Water Association continued monthly payments plus an additional $500 toward its balance.
–The Council approved a 30% increase to the gallonage water rate while leaving the base rate unchanged.
–Rita Griffin raised concerns about enforcement of residential structure ordinances; officials could not locate the ordinance and discussed drafting new regulations.
–Farmers market plans were reviewed, with a proposed June 10 opening date and liability coverage to be provided by organizers.
–The Council approved a city flag design and purchase for $186.72, following a proposal from Alderman Elleen Steele. The location for the flag will be finalized at a later date.
–Park updates included a proposed T-ball field, donated dugouts from Charleston, and additional fencing and improvements.
–The Yard of the Month program was approved for June through September.
–Brightspeed fiber installation was reported complete.
All members were present for both meetings. The next regular meeting of the Hartman City Council is scheduled for Monday, July 13, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
Read this story and others in the June 17 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
