JEWELL- The Jewell City Council Monday evening performed a walk-through of the Main Street Project with the engineer and city staff. They created a punch list of items that need to be completed. A change order to the project was approved amounting to $12,625.22. The change order was adjusted as built qualities and included the trenching of the storm sewer plus the painting and removing markings. A resident attending the meeting inquired about signs that had gone up over the last few days. In addition, the resident the resident heard comments from each of the city council member on this issue. A generalization of the overall consensus was that although the council supports free speech, they thought it would have been in the best interest of the city of Jewell if the situation was handled differently. Jewell City Council member Scott Rohloff stated to the council he would resign and then left the meeting. The resignation is not formal and for official resignation, Rohloff will need to submit his intentions in writing.
Cyndi Gryte of Juniper and Olive was present to discuss ways to bring more excitement and business to the Main Street of Jewell. Gryte mentioned to the city council was having to-go cups for special occasions. Gryte plans to research what some other local towns do. No decision was acted on. Jewell City Council member Steve Butler did mention that he would not be in favor of the to-go cups.
The Jewell City Council approved the first reading of the ordinance for increasing the water rates of Jewell by 15 percent. It would make the first 2000 gallons at $34.89 and each additional 100 gallons at $1.17. The second reading will be at the September 22nd council meeting.
There was a discussion on replacing the filter at the outdoor swimming pool. The city of Jewell is in discussions with Burbach Aquatics attempting to figure out the details of how that would get accomplished. There will be more discussion at the next city council meeting in two weeks.