North Webster Police Department Officer Candace Smythe, left, and Inframark Utilities Manager Jayne Alger gave information to the North Webster Town Council Tuesday, Dec. 17.

NORTH WEBSTER — The last 2019 meeting of the North Webster Town Council Tuesday, Dec. 17, was a swift sail through the agenda. Highlights included the approval of a bid for meters for the sewage system, notification that disposable wipes are causing problems and more information about the K21 Health Foundation grant to the town.

North Central Laboratories bid of $1,400 was accepted by the council for a new meter for the sewage system. It was the middle of three bids. Inframark Utilities Manager Jayne Alger reported disposable wipes are causing problems in the sewer system. “Although the packaging says ‘flushable’ they should not be flushed. Please notify the public to put them in the trash. The wipes are detrimental to the pumps,” she explained.

Calls two or three times a week are being made to the department to unclog lift station motors because of the wipes. The council agreed the public should be aware not to flush them.

President Lisa Stombeck announced a delegation from the council will meet with K21 Tuesday, Jan. 7, to learn more about the process of selecting projects for the $200,000 grant from K21. “We would like all interested in applying for the funds to have a chance to do so. Projects must deal with the health and/or wellness of town residents. Please contact any of the town council members or talk with Clerk-Treasurer Betsy Luce at North Webster Town Hall,” she commented. More information will be forthcoming at the next town council meeting.

In other utility business, Alger said the sewage treatment plant was in compliance with state regulations last month. All leaves have been picked up unless someone calls the utility department and brush pick up will continue as needed until the snowplows have to be put on town trucks.

Edgar “Joe” Clark Jr. is a new operator with the department as of Nov. 11. An estimate for a new grit classifier screw conveyer was given to the council but tabled.

Officer Candace Smythe represented the police department. She requested an additional 250 overtime hours for the two patrol officers for 2020 on behalf of Police Chief Greg Church. She said, “We didn’t use all the hours this year but this is a backup in case they are needed.” Council approved.

During November 2019 officers had 227 calls of service. The most were citizen assists/lockouts with 31 followed by domestic battery and fights at 22. Officers worked 765.5 hours, drove 4,439 miles using 365.3 gallons of fuel.

The next regular meeting of the North Webster Town Council will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the North Webster Community Center, 301 N. Main St.