Baxter officials approved two project change orders during Thursday’s Council Meeting to address ongoing water and sewer infrastructure needs.
Council Member Jeff Phillips said the city must focus on addressing significant maintenance issues within the local utility systems.
“We’ve got some projects that we’re going to have to really look at and try to stop the bleeding on some of our leaks and stuff, so,” Phillips said. “That’s for sure. So we’ve got some options to look at and I think that’s one of the reasons for the work session we need to work that out and then get some plan see what we can do with that.”
Council Member Brian Burgess said he wants to schedule a work session involving the council, department heads, and Engineer Tom Bennett to review upcoming city projects. Mayor Holmes said the city will arrange the meeting to help officials coordinate on future infrastructure and development plans.
The board also approved a purchase order for the fire department to acquire 10 sets of turnout gear. construction.
The meeting included the swearing-in of several officials, including new Police Chief Brandon Herron.
“When I started, we didn’t have the best equipment or the best cars, there wasn’t as many people as there are now, but things have got a lot better and I want to continue the growth and development of the department,” Herron said. “Everything I do in life is for two reasons: my family, who are my biggest supporters, and the man upstairs.”