Board gets update on wireless gas meter reading

Morgan said that about one-third of the city's gas meters have been converted to the wireless reading system. The rest are slated to be complete by mid-summer.

Firefly readers are reducing a four-hour route in Pioneer Subdivision to 35 minutes. The work of four full-time meter readers has been reduced to two workers cross-trained for gas and water work, said Morgan.

"As we go along, it is just going to get more economic and more feasible," said Morgan. "It is just going to get better and better."

Morgan said he is hopeful the technology will allow the city's gas customers to have fewer billing cycles. Currently gas users are billed on several different schedules.

The city has purchased enough of the devices to update the entire system. Engineers are currently working to replace the traditional meters with the new electronic meters; Fireflies don't work on the traditional meters.

Morgan said that he will use the CityWatch telephone alert system to notify residents when engineers will be working in the area.

Morgan also reported that missing water usage will be calculated annually instead of monthly. The department has been working hard to identify leaks, repairing 166 leaks under 1-and-1/2-inches and 25 leaks from 2- to 12-inches, he said.

Aldermen approved the city attorney's invoice for $11,618.44 - the first time the amount has been made public at a board meeting - with a motion by aldermen Bob Kirk. The motion was seconded by Freeman Dudley and passed unanimously by alderman present. Charles McCright was absent from the meeting.

In aldermen reports, Bart Williams congratulated the city for undertaking recycling efforts and reminded the community to participate in Dyer County's Great American Cleanup this Saturday.

Freeman Dudley asked the police department to address youth on four-wheelers, golf carts and three-wheelers who are riding on the streets now that the weather has warmed up.

"My main concern is that some kid is going to get run over," said Dudley.

Kevin Chaney reminded residents who recently received their new property assessments that there is a number on the back of their statement if they wish to appeal it. Chaney said that although property assessments affect residents throughout the city, they are not mandated by the city government.

Other issues brought up by aldermen included spring mowing concerns. Residents who wish to report property in need of city mowing may call Public Works, City Recorder Gleyn Twilla or Mayor John Holden.

Holden shared an upcoming cable committee meeting to meet Jim Duck's replacement at 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, April 22; commended Penny Damesworth on her efforts to organize Saturday's Great American Cleanup and announced the annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast will take place at 6:30 a.m. May 8 in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer.