A software glitch at the Girard Golf Course may cost the city around $9,000, according to a report by Gary Emry, city administrator, during the Girard City Council meeting Monday night.
The affected software operates the golf course watering system. As a result, watering had to be done by hand Monday.
“We knew this was coming,” said Susan Thom, council member.
“I had hoped we could limp through the summer with this software, then get the new software on next year’s budget, but we’ve got a good month of watering left,” Emry said.
He asked the council to approve purchase of the 2010 version of the software. “This is a Rain Bird product, which is what we have out at the course,” Emry said.
The council authorized him to go ahead with the purchase.
Ken Bradshaw, who is in charge of the city’s electric production facilities, reported on meetings he has been attending regarding new EPA standards on toxic gases and greenhouse gases. These would require installation of oxidizing catalytic converters and other devices.
“This sounds expensive, but I don’t have any firm numbers yet,” he said. “One problem is that very few U.S. manufacturers make these things. But we’ve got a three-year time period to do this, and I’ll continue to go to meetings and try to get more information.”
Council member Richard Cussimanio said he had been receiving complaints about the city’s web site not being updated. For instance, Susan Thom is not listed as a council member, but her predecessor, Sandy Hallacy, is.
“There is a problem, and even the web site guy can’t figure it out,” Emry said. “When I call up the web site on my office computer, Susan is listed, but when I call it up on my home computer, she isn’t.”
Harley said that the Envision Committee is working on a new web page design for the city. “Let’s set it up to discuss this at the next meeting,” he said. “Maybe we can get some of the tech-savvy people to come in.”
In other business, the city:
• Approved condemnation of a building at 103 S. Summit. The back wall of the structure is falling out, which is causing the wall of the building to the north to be compromised.
• Selected Emry and Cussimanio as voting delegates and Coralie Bennett, city clerk, as alternate delegate to the Kansas League of Municipalities meeting on Oct. 9-12.
• Heard a report by Emry that he had received no bids for construction of restrooms at the new sports complex. A portable toilet has been placed there.
