Final fuel agreement decision delayed to March

NEW LONDON - Despite unanimously agreeing to let the school leave their shared fuel agreement during their Jan. 8 meeting, the City of New London is unsure of future steps. Council members discussed bidding out the fuel contract, but ultimately decided to wait until March when they can discuss the issue with the Utility Board of Trustees.

The intermittent months until then will allow the city to assess their fuel cost and usage now that they are separate from the school.

While the City has used Prairie Ag for the past 14 years, there has been discussion as to whether letting other companies bid for the city's business might save money.

The city's utility board of trustees discussed the topic during their last meeting on Friday, Jan. 4, when they opted to wait and see what the council would decide.

'I think it needs to be a group decision,” Berner said. 'We all know that communication between the (City Council and the utility board) is key.”

City Clerk Kasi Howard recommended both groups meet in March after a few more months with Prairie Ag to see what fuel usage looks like now that the school is no longer using the same fuel source. Waiting through January and February, she believed, will allow the city to better assess cost and need.

The council also approved the repairs bid from Weiler Builders for repairing the City Council Chamber roof and interiors. The chamber was damaged due to a leak in the roof last year. Repairs will see a new metal roof installed which will cost $8,800. Repairs to three of the walls were also approved for an additional $10,000. There is currently no expected completion time for these repairs.

The City Council will have their next meeting on Feb. 5.