Turning up the volume

The Everly City Council is looking to make things much louder during weather emergencies.

Members on Monday discussed repair and potential replacement of the city’s eastside siren. The warning mechanism failed to work during a severe weather situation in December, which concerned city leaders.

The council directed City Clerk Kristi Fliss to invite RC Systems to Everly to evaluate the siren. Once the company gives its assessment, the council will move forward with repair or replacement based on recommendations.

“I was disturbed to hear [eastside residents were without a siren],” said Council Member Tara Patrick. “When it comes to the safety of our citizens, I’m not opposed to spending $20,000.”

The council would like to get the situation resolved before spring and summer severe weather season. Grants for the siren will also be pursued.

The council hopes to make a decision on the matter during April’s meeting.

“I don’t want to wait,” Patrick said.

Council members also briefly discussed purchasing an emergency generator, which was brought up last month. Public Works Director Josh Rinehart recently called around for quotes, and it was discovered that a new generator wouldn’t be ready until May of 2023.

The council discussed potentially obtaining a used piece of equipment. If purchased, the generator would be utilized at the community center or fire station during a natural disaster to provided electricity to residents during a power outage.

• Cleanup day

Citywide cleanup day is set for Tuesday, May 3. Additionally, the hazardous materials trailer will be available for things like paint, chemicals and other related items.

The council directed Fliss to publicize the clean up day, create a list of residents participating in garage sales and set up alternate hours for hazardous materials drop off. More information will be released soon.

• Closed session

The council went into closed session for one hour prior to the regular meeting. On hand were City Attorney Dennis Cmelik and Clay County Chief Deputy Zach Larsen.

The group discussed an issue regarding resident Lori Adrian’s dogs that occurred last year. No action was taken on the matter once the council returned to open session, and nothing was discussed publicly.

Adrian was on hand at the meeting but wasn’t part of the closed session discussion.