by Nathan Boddy
The Hamilton City Council enjoyed a very swift meeting on Tuesday, November 1st. With no new business on the agenda, councilors were able to open and close the meeting within 22 minutes, yet still hear public comments, pay the bills and share updates on city business.
Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf expressed his appreciation of the Hamilton Downtown Association and its Director, Robin Pruitt, for what he called a very successful Halloween. The Association undertook a variety of events, including the Inflatables Race which took place on Main Street earlier in the day.
“The inflatables race was something else,” Farrenkopf said, adding that people should bear in mind that they should, “never ride a snail if you want to win.”
Farrenkopf said that he also spoke with Fire Chief Brad Mohn, as well as Police Chief Steve Snavely, both of whom reported no incidents during the Halloween celebrations. Councilor Robin Pruitt also expressed her appreciation of town staff efforts to keep the events running in a smooth and safe manner, saying “It’s just a really incredible night for our community and so much work goes into it.”
Farrenkopf also gave the council an update on the city’s ongoing effort to address the wild rabbit population within city limits. He shared a letter from Police Chief Snavely which highlights the results of investigations into the rabbit population and what citizens can, and cannot, do to address the issue. Farrenkopf reported on the city’s efforts thus far to lessen the number of rabbits, which in a short 3-4 week time frame resulted in the trapping of 66 rabbits. He also reported that several traps had been stolen, and reports have been made of trespass and rabbits being freed from traps on several occasions. The City is currently considering a mailer to inform citizens about the rabbit issue in greater detail.
The mayor also gave a report on the progress of the city’s new fire hall, pointing out that the stem walls and footings have been poured, and below grade electric and plumbing will soon follow. He also reported that slightly over $360,000 in donations toward the project have been received. Farrenkopf wished to thank all the donors, however small the amount, since people do what they can to support the critical service. “It really makes me proud of the community that I live in,” he said.
In regards to the Fire Department staff, Farrenkopf reminded the council that fundraising for the fire hall is on a short break during the months of October and November to give the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Association time to accomplish its own fundraising, without confusing their efforts with those of the fire hall itself.
County Commissioner, Jeff Burrows serves as the President of the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Association, and expresses the importance of fundraising for that group during the remainder of the year. “It’s our big fundraiser,” he says, adding that anything that is not budgeted for by the City and Rural districts must be funded through donations. This could include anything from safety equipment to tools. To this end, the Association will be sending a letter to district residents, and visiting local businesses while looking for support. Both Burrows and Farrenkopf would like to remind people that the fundraising for the fire hall is different from that of the Association.