New London approves 2016 capital spending plan

By John Faucher

The New London City Council unanimously approved a list of 2016 capital projects totaling $462,050 at its Dec. 8 monthly meeting.

The city’s Capital Equipment and Projects Committee approved the list at its Nov. 19 meeting, following months of discussions with city staff and committee heads.

Alderperson Tom O’Connell asked if most of the $462,000 would come from the anticipated 2016 bond money.

Mayor Gary Henke said, “No. None of that would come from the bond.”

The committee approved only items that were previously budgeted and set a tentative date for late January or February to discuss long-term capital projects and the 2016 bond program.

City hall tile project
The council unanimously approved a tile installation proposal to Modern Flooring Inc. of New London for $6,755 with an additional wall tile alternate cost of $3,491.

The contract work is for the public bathrooms at city hall. The contractor will replace the floor tile and add wall tile four feet up from the floor.

The total cost of the project is $10,246.

Sledding hill update
Parks and Recreation Director Chad Hoerth gave a status report on the sledding hill located off Wolf River Avenue.

“This winter if and when we do get any snow, we plan on opening the sled hill that has been redesigned this last fall,” said Hoerth.

“It will be closed officially until we open it. We do have a sign we placed out there this past week. We do not want anyone going on there if it’s only a quarter inch of snow blanket. It’s not quite ready yet,” said Hoerth. “We will officially have signs out there and post messages on our Facebook and website page when it is open. If all goes well and we get some snow, we will open the hill and the new ice rink up yet this winter.”

Utility manager
Steve Thompson, New London Utility manager informed the council that the utility extended the Christmas light exchange a little longer as they have approximately 100 sets of lights left.

He said that the program brought a good response from utility customers who donated generously for the community cupboard through the light exchange program.

Thompson delivered a large collection of non-perishable food items to city hall, and presented a $1,500 check for community cupboard to City Clerk Sue Tennie.

Check in lieu of taxes
Thompson presented a check for $703,664 to Mayor Gary Henke, in lieu of taxes on behalf of the New London Utility Commission.

“There is nothing I love better than to receive at this time of year, a check for over $700,000 from the Utility Commission,” said Henke.