Lincoln Council Purchases Trucks

LINCOLN — Lincoln City Council approved a resolution to purchase two new trucks for more than $47,000 for the Water Department at its February meeting.

The city will purchase two Dodge Ram 2500 fourwheel- drive vehicles for $ 23,705 each. Mayor Rob Hulse said the city has not purchased new trucks for the department in almost 10 years.

Employees have put a lot of miles, “a lot of hard miles” on their vehicles, Hulse said.

“We want to get back in the game of updating our equipment,” he said.

In other action, Council members suspended the rules to place an ordinance on final reading to adopt revised inspection fees and building permit fees but voted to table the ordinance after questions came up about one section.

Alderman Johnny Stowers said Section F made it appear people would have to apply for building permits for improvement projects, such as installing new carpet or painting jobs.

Section F says that permit fees for work such as remodels, alterations or structural work that does not entail expansion of a structure’s existing footprint would be based on the cost of the work.

For the first $1,000 worth of work, the permit is $15, with an additional $4 fee per thousand for all work above $1,000.

“About anything you do will cost more than a thousand dollars,” Stowers said.

Alderman Doug Hutchens noted that some work comes under repairs and maintenance. The intent, he said, is to make sure jobs are completed in a safe manner for the homeowner.

Council members wondered if permits should be required for work such as new carpet and other improvements inside the home.

“I don’t think the city needs to have any fees if I decide I want to replace carpet or put in hardwood floors,” said Council member Doyle Dixon.

“Now if I want to upgrade my space or add square footage, that’s an add-on.”

City Attorney Steven Parker asked what Council members thought should “trigger” the requirement for a permit.

“If you spend $ 20,000 gutting and redoing your kitchen, do you need a permit or not? I’m asking the question,” Parker said.

The Council decided to send the ordinance back to committee for more discussion and to clarify the intent for permits.

“We want to get back in the game of updating our equipment.”

Rob Hulse Lincoln Mayor