The City of Lisbon approved a change to the contract with Saint John’s Catholic Church for long term care to graves at Lisbon Cemetery.

City administrator Brandon Siggins said that the old contract did not specify long term care to the graves, and the city was proposing an additional $250 to cover the cost.

“There’s more work that goes on in the cemetery each year, and every grave is different,” Siggins said. “Some years are wetter than others, and some have more sinking that needs to be addressed.”

Council member Nathan Smith asked why there was not a consideration of billing for the allotted time instead of a flat fee for those types of repairs. Public works director Travis Bagby said the city proposed a flat rate to the church and they agreed to it.

This work only covers for needed dirt work and reseeding for grave plots. Cemetery stone repairs is another joint project between the city and the church when that work is needed to be completed, with the church sharing in those costs.

Lisbon History Center rental application discussed by city

The City of Lisbon also approved a change to a resolution for the application process for tenants above the Lisbon History Center.

The City of Lisbon owns the Lisbon History Center building, and it is usual for the city to have a chance to review applicants and conduct a background check before a lease is signed.

City administrator Brandon Siggins was looking to change the language that would allow either the city administrator or city clerk to review rental applications and approve prior to a tenant’s occupancy, instead of the matter having to come before the entire council. That would help with approving applications in a more timely fashion and, as Siggins noted, not make a tenant go before the entire city council to rent an apartment.

Siggins said the most recent tenant was one that did not go through those processes, and the city wants to make sure the resolution is in place to make sure proper steps are followed for the next tenant. Council member Mike Williams and John Bardsley both agreed with the language of the resolution.

Council member Nathan Smith asked if the language had been looked over by the city attorney to protect the city from discrimination claims. Siggins said that is his next step is making sure the language is appropriate from the attorneys, as well as spelling out criteria to legally approve or reject an applicant.

The issue will come back before the next council meeting.

Lead/copper service lines
The City of Lisbon is close to finished on their lead/copper service line study. If people have not completed the brief questions on lead/copper service lines that come into their home, they are encouraged to contact Christina Eicher at Lisbon City Hall.

There are fewer than 200 that are needed for the service line inventory.