Oronogo council back to full strength with return of Jason Grossman

After a three-year absence, Jason Grossman returned to the Oronogo Board of Aldermen Monday when his appointment by Mayor Charles Wilkins was approved by the board.

Grossman will complete the remaining year of Jason Guild’s term. He resigned on March 7, too late to get his 2nd Ward seat on the ballot.

Grossman held a 2nd Ward seat beginning in 2017 and was mayor pro tem when he chose not to run for reelection in 2022.

Also taking the oath of office were three aldermen retaining their seats after being reelected on April 8. They are: Rick Seeley, 1st Ward; Michael Renburg, 2nd Ward, and Darrell Orender, 3rd Ward.

The two other board members (beginning the second year of their current two-year terms) are: Linda Lacey (1st Ward), and Kima Francis (3rd Ward).

Tony Cantrell, superintendent of public works, reported on several issues, including the emergency rebuild of the well behind City Hall.

He said the worn-out motor and pump quit, leaving the city with just two working wells. Had one of the two remaining wells quit, he said the water system wouldn’t have been able to keep up with demand.

In addition to the well and pump, Flynn Drilling also replaced the corroded piping. The council approved Flynn’s bill of $67,388.

During the heavy rain, Cantrells said several homes were in danger of flooding because of a clogged main storm water culvert. After trying unsuccessfully to dislodge large rocks in the culvert, Cantrell said the road had to be cut and a larger culvert installed. He said he assumed the clog was deliberately caused by vandals.

A subcontractor for Sparklight is boring along utilities to install conduit for the future installation of fiber optic cable for internet and streaming services.

Cantrell said the Sparklight boring project (to cover 75% of the city) is the “most stressful” he’s ever had to deal with. He said it requires constant monitoring to make sure the boring doesn’t damage adjacent utilities. For instance, he said he stopped three gas leaks.

On top of that, he said Spire is about to begin relocating gas meters.

The council approved an ordinance contract with Cochran Engineering to design and manage improvements to the storm water system at a cost not to exceed $92,750.

The improvements are to be made on Home and John streets, which connect northwest of City Hall. And in the Webbwood subdivision, on Webbwood Drive and Sandy Street.

Also, City Clerk Cyndi Jennings presented two proposals from firms to convert the city’s troubled software to a new system. She said the current system is requiring a lot of overtime pay for her and Sasqua Crawford, city treasurer and prosecutor’s assistant.

Angela Palsrok was appointed as court clerk.