Plains horse sculpture discussed by town council

Few attended the July Plains Town Council meeting scheduled one day before the July 4 holiday. No public comments were made during the meeting.

The judge’s report was read by Mayor Chris Allen, which included the current number of warrants issued at 80, new cases at 75, and fine payments at 139.

The mayor’s report started out with a discussion about the removal of one of the horses on the greenway along Railroad Street. Built by the late Kenton Pies of Plains, the sculptures were built over several years. The weather has taken a toll on the sculptures. Efforts are underway to restore the remaining sculptures, except for the first horse that was beyond repair.

The mayor continued his report with the completion of the First Street construction project.

Drive-through access at the sewer lagoons has been curtailed with the installation of new gates.

Plains will be adding a second cleanup day in the fall. Better ways to organize the event were discussed. Council member Garrett Boon was excited to add another cleanup day in the fall. He said they needed to include better efficiency for the workers.

The town office will be updating its electrical system in July, bringing the wiring up to the current code.

The town saw a water loss of 23%, up 2% in June.

Council members had a lengthy discussion about the public pool not being able to open this summer. Twelve individuals applied for the lifeguard positions. The issue this year was the lack of a certified lifeguard instructor required to train the new staff. Steps to have a certified instructor for next year are being put in place.

Council members discussed ideas to have a possible dump and water station installed within town limits.

Mayor Allen and Police Chief Brian Josephson scheduled a Police Commission meeting for July 24 at 10 a.m. at the town office.

Unfinished business included the reading of three proposals to update town ordinances. The first reading for ordinance number 23-3 was accepted. This ordinance addressed parking and use of city owned lands, which included overnight camping.

Ordinance 260 addresses speed limits in congested areas such as school zones, playgrounds, and alleyways. The ordinance adds an increased fine for infractions.

The last ordinance under consideration was 20-02, which addressed truck traffic along Clayton Street that exceeds 26,000 GVW. The final reading was accepted by the council.