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Osage
City Council
Cell phone service put on hold
DeAun Michael | Reporter
OSAGE CITY — Osage City Manager Nick Hernandez had disappointing
news for area Sprint cell phone customers at the Osage City Council’s
regular meeting Jan. 27. Hernandez announced the deal to bring a
stronger Sprint cell phone signal to the area has fallen through.
Crossroads Wireless, who had already installed antenna equipment
on the city’s water tower, has filed for bankruptcy protection,
Hernandez said. The move spells the end of the prospect, at least
for now, for improved Sprint cell phone service in the area.
Hernandez said plans for an AT&T tower continue to proceed.
The owner, Paul Wrablica, is hoping to have that tower erected this
spring. Additionally, Verizon Wireless is looking at possible locations
for a tower in the area.
The council also heard a presentation from Greg Wright, of EMG,
with follow up information regarding city utility rate increases.
A resolution was presented and approved by the council to add a
five percent franchise fee for patrons of the city’s municipal
electric system and the municipal natural gas system. The franchise
fee will apply to residents living within the corporate limits of
Osage City.
Council member Becky Brewer asked Wright if this is just a portion
of the potential increase.
“This is a portion of the rate increases needed,” Wright
confirmed. “This is a fair way to spread the costs among all
citizens.”
The franchise fee will be passed directly to the city and will be
revenue that will support other city services as well, including
fire and police services.
Wright will return at a later date for further rate increase discussions
and his recommendations for the council.
During the meeting, the council also considered a proposal to sign
an agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants Inc. for
on-call engineering services for 2009.
Hernandez explained the need to have someone available to oversee
and ensure all projects requiring engineering services and consultation
stay on schedule and within budget. He said he believes it will
be in the city’s best interest to have someone overseeing
projects. He explained that in the past, engineering services were
pieced out among several entities. An on-call engineering service
will provide consistency with a firm that can become familiar with
all of the projects as needed.
Brad Johnson and Mike Berry, of Professional Engineering Consultants
Inc., were at the meeting to explain their credentials and services
they can provide as on-call city engineers.
Hernandez clarified for the council that any large engineering projects
will continue to be put out for bid.
Some concern about associated costs was expressed by council members.
Hernandez assured the council that retaining the engineers will
not affect the budget. The costs will come from the capital improvement
fund or the general fund, depending on what projects are utilizing
the engineering consultation services. The resolution was approved
by the council.
In other business, the council:
• considered options for the city’s rails-to-trails
project presented by Hernandez.
• received an update on city entrance signs. Cost estimates
and bids will be received soon and the project is moving forward.
• was updated on filings for city council positions. Quintin
Robert has filed for mayor; Marsha Haller and Becky Brewer for Fourth
Ward; Loren Debaun for Second Ward; Ed Mueller for Third Ward; and
Matt Brewer for First Ward. |
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