HUMBOLDT — Humboldt council members agreed to spend $33,000 for new computer software to support operations at City Hall. HERDER reported city employees’ health insurance premiums, through Blue Cross Blue Shield, would be about 6 percent less in 2015, which would save the city $8,000. Dave Dillon, the city’s agent, said Humboldt’s premium reduction was the largest in his eight-county area. IN OTHER news, council members:
Cole Herder, city administrator, recommended Computer Information Concepts, Greeley, Colo., for the software deal, noting its bid was mid-range of several and the most compatible. Humboldt will pay $2,450 a year for off-site data storage and backup, and $6,580 each year for software support; it had been paying $7,000 annually for support of computer operations.
At their Monday night meeting Council members also approved purchase of a new police vehicle, with its order deferred to January for budgetary purposes. Cost is expected to be about $24,000; support equipment will be transferred from a former Kansas Highway Patrol cruiser that “has given us a lot of trouble lately,” Chief of Police Brian Dillow observed.
The patrol car’s engine recently malfunctioned and will be replaced by a used engine purchased in Canada, found after an extensive search. Dillow said several other problems had cropped up lately, and that the vehicle had 100,000 miles on its odometer.
Once the older car is back in operation, Dillow said he would advertise it on the Purple Wave auction site with a reserve bid of $5,000, enough to cover recent repairs. Advantage for Humboldt is its police package of equipment is transferable to a new unit.
Chris Butts complimented council members on their support for Humboldt’s PRIDE Committee, as well as their efforts to keep the city spruced up and inviting. He said new restrooms at Neosho River Park, a PRIDE project, should be in use within a month or so.
Herder noted several employee changes: Jeremy Bulk officially has been promoted to public works director/code enforcement officer, effective Dec.1; Anthony Hurtado is a new maintenance worker, moving to full time from a temporary seasonal position; Dale Hurst has moved up a notch in the maintenance department after completing commercial driver’s license requirements and receiving gas operator’s qualification certification. Herder said a part-time employee for the water plant and a maintenance worker were being sought.
Herder noted that telephone systems were being discussed with four providers, with the expectation of adding new hardware because of the age of the current system and its service limitations.
— Approved 2015 cereal malt beverage licenses for Reb’s Place, Johnson’s General Store, Pete’s convenience store, Estrellita Mexican Restaurant and Moon’s Hometown Market.
— Tabled action on an equipment sharing agreement with Allen County to give Herder time to clarify language.
City to see technology update
