Aug 19

Written by: ngreditor
8/19/2008 8:31 PM 

Radio problems reported at City Council

Kenneth Purscell

“We went from a system that was antiquated to something that is much worse.”

Tom Haase, Newman Grove Fire Chief, reported to the City Council on problems installing a new emergency radio system. The system was intended to provide Madison County and several other counties with interoperable communication.

“We were awarded a grant of $18 thousand. We received only $9 thousand,” said Haase. “The supplier underbid and overcharged. They installed the wrong radios and then charged us $400 to re-install the right ones.”

Six months later, the system is still an issue, and not just for Newman Grove. “Stanton County dropped out of the project and went on their own because they were tired of waiting for action,” said Haase.

Mayor David Johnson offered to fax complaints to the county and to seek some resolution to the problems.

In other business, the council heard from Craig Lilja of the Rescue Squad about the process of grants for hazard mitigation through the Lower Platte NRD.

The city would seek a grant for projects 1 ½ years out. Although the projects could be aimed at pre-empting hazards from disasters in any season, the council consensus was that the priority projects for Newman Grove are flood mitigation.

Any grants would be given on a 75/25 division, with the city funding ¼ of any project.

In other business, the council considered adopting an international building code and a property maintenance code. A request was also made by Grace Church for use of the city park for a revival September 11-13.