According to City Administrator Tonya Flannery, there are 50 flower pots throughout the city and 41 need either repairs or to be replaced completely. She requested direction from the council as to whether they would like to move forward with the project or not.

In the past, Flannery said community organizations have volunteered to maintain the pots, but with 50 of them, it became a chore for groups to keep up with. She said that the city has received calls from residents who would either like flower pots on the corner of their street or would like to see the pots currently in their neighborhood replaced. She said the scope of work that needs to be done ranges from simple paint jobs to being completely replaced. One of the biggest problems with some of them is that they are not level and stable on the ground they stand on.

Alderwoman Marilyn Sisson said that it's sad that a lot of work gets put into the flower pots and kids end up vandalizing them by tipping them over and breaking them. Alderman Woodrow Street said that he would like to see about using non-taxpayer funds to pay for the project. Mayor Steve Dougherty added that this would not be a one time cost, but rather one the council would probably have to address again in the future.

According to Flannery, the cost to put concrete pads in to stabilize the bases would be around $3500 and would take three weeks of work. She also said it costs between $1000 and $1500 for plants and $2000 to $3000 for watering. She added that the city has received some grant money for the project. The council voted and unanimously approved the allocation of $4000 for the project.

The final payment to the company Joiner Sheet Metal and Roofing for a roof replacement project was also approved.

The payment, in the amount of $15,424.40, was for city hall's roof and HVAC renovation. The council had approved a partial payment at a previous meeting, but voted not to make the full payment until further inspection and repair work had been completed. After the roof had been replaced, leaky spots and an area that was sagging had been discovered by city officials.

According to city building inspector Gary Baker, certain rains -- particularly ones coming from the north -- appeared to still be causing leaks at times. He said that he believed the leaks were caused by rain water entering through the HVAC system when the wind blew in a certain direction. His recommendation was for the council to go ahead and approve the final payment. He added that the company will return to work on the roof if a problem is found within two years. The council approved the payment, unanimously.

The council also voted to delay demolition proceedings 180 days for a residential structure within the city.

According to Alderman Ray Kellenberger, the owners of the property, located at 614 North Monroe Street, purchased the property not knowing demolition proceedings had been started. The owners have been working on renovating the structure in order to get it back in livable condition.

City Attorney Kit Hantla said that the proceedings had just been started, so the process was not that far along. Mayor Dougherty told the council that if the owners can get the building rehabbed, it can be placed back on the city's tax roll. The delay was approved, 8-0.

The next Litchfield City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m.