Mt. Carmel city officials offered updates on the new aquatic center, city finances and several ongoing projects during a brief City Council meeting last week..
Mayor Joe Judge said construction of the new aquatic center continues to move along quickly, with the project now in its 11th week. Crews are installing the stainless-steel gutter system, while walls in the aquatic area have been completed and plumbing for the main pool's recirculation system is being installed.
Judge said work on the decking outside the pool is expected to begin this week. Garmong Construction also recently poured the pump room floor, with pumps scheduled to be installed last week.
Judge also called Chamber Days a success, praising the Chamber and amusement company for this year's event.
Street Commissioner Tyson Meador reported continued work on the Park Road sidewalk project, repairs to a storm sewer at 7th and Chestnut, and fresh paint on Poplar Street crosswalks ahead of the start of school. Crews also trimmed trees and brush and filled potholes.
Finance Commissioner Eric Ikemire reported nearly $342,000 in revenue over the past two weeks, including more than $216,000 in sales tax revenue and $77,000 in state income tax. He said the city is about three-and-a-half months into its fiscal year but has already used approximately 42 percent of its budget, putting spending slightly ahead of schedule.
Water and Sewer Commissioner Tom Meeks reported crews repaired three water leaks and bored three new water lines. The city is also repairing the number-one well motor at the water treatment plant following what officials believe was a lightning strike. At the wastewater treatment plant, crews were also working on repairs to a floating aerator.
Commissioner Susan Zimmerman reported the Mt. Carmel Fire Department responded to 11 incidents over the past two weeks, ranging from a kitchen fire to lift assistance calls with Wabash General Hospital Ambulance Service.
During staff reports, Mt. Carmel Municipal Airport Manager Luis Garcia said work on the airport's taxiway lights is nearly complete. Garcia also replaced a runway light Monday and said only a couple of additional transformers are needed to finish the lighting work.
Mt. Carmel Police Chief Erin Peach reminded motorists to use additional caution around local schools now that classes are back in session. Peach urged drivers to watch for increased traffic, pedestrians and children riding bicycles.
City employee Mike Hannah also reported that crews completed a significant road repair on Westover. Hannah said that section of roadway had been deteriorating for some time before crews dug out the damaged area and made repairs.