KINGMAN, Ariz. – There were two major discussions Tuesday evening, Oct. 20, at the Kingman City Council meeting – postage costs to mail water bills and additional time and cost for a proposed water drainage basin, which would delay the completion of Flying Fortress.
The city is currently spending $900,000 a year for postage to mail out water bills to residents.
Councilman Jim Dykens asked if there’s anything the city could do to encourage residents to sign up for electronic billing so the city doesn’t have to raise water rates to cover that expense.
Vice Mayor Cherish Sammeli suggested an easy, two-step process to sign up for electronic billing on the city app – click on a link, then opt out, to make it quick and easy for residents.
It was also suggested to advertise on social media.
There was a request for more money and time for a new water drainage design to prevent flooding, thus delaying completion of the Flying Fortress Parkway.
Interim City Engineer Mike Garmon told the council that someone had donated land to the city for them to build a water basin upstream from the original drainage system, that has already had $2 million poured into it. He reminded them, however, that they were still under budget, although behind in schedule.
The drainage system currently planned will require a 10-foot retention pond with fence surrounding it leaving no room for landscaping.
Several Council members objected to building on donated land, but Councilman Walker, said he wants Flying Fortress finished, but wants it done right to prevent flooding in the future.
A decision was made by Council to continue any decision until next week at a special meeting. Garmon was asked to bring to that special meeting all the financial information he did not have available Tuesday.
