The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday, recognized the Atlantic High School Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams. Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Somers mentioned the boys and girls, like other AHS athletes, went to State this year. The Girls finished in 7th place, and Taylor McCreedy came in 6th out of the top 15 finishers. The Boys finished 15th. Team members present during the meeting included: Junior Katie Saluk; Freshmen Addie DeArment and Zane Berg, along with Senior Jalen Peterson and Assistant Coach Brad Rasmussen.

Some members of the AHS Cross Country team & Asst. Coach Brad Rasmussen.

Rasmussen said he was impressed by the fact the team bonded together. “They really became very close.” He said it was the first time both the boys and girls Cross Country teams went to State together, in 16-years. “It was fun for me to be a part of that,” Rasmussen said, “It was a great season.” In other business, the Council passed a Resolution approving the CY 2019 Budget for Atlantic Municipal Utilities. A public hearing on the Budget was held at AMU Monday afternoon.

AMU General Mgr. Steve Tjepkes

AMU General Manager Steve Tjepkes said after spending a significant amount of time on the ethanol plant project this past year, they plan on getting back to converting residential overhead electric lines located in difficult-to-access back lot areas, to underground service lines, which is better for reliability and easier access for maintenance. Tjepkes said also, there will be no changes in either the electrical of water rates for AMU customers next year, and no significant budget changes. Data from the utility shows the Budget amounts to $10.06-million, which amounts to a $1.16-million increase over the re-estimated 2018 budget.

The Council also heard from Kris Erickson, City Code Enforcement Officer, with regard to policies concerning dogs and cats. Erickson said there’s been some questions over the shelter’s policies, and complaints no one is ever there. She said staff are there in the morning to clean the shelter, let the animals out for a bit, feed them, and then go about their other responsibilities. Erickson said there is a sign clearly visible on the door that states if no one is there, and you are in need of assistance, you may call her cell phone – the number is on the door –  or press the door bell, which rings over at the adjacent water treatment plant. The bell can be heard in all areas of the treatment plant, so someone will assist you.

She said also thanks to donations of fencing, there is an outside animal meet and greet area, which also allows the dogs to run in a decent-size confined area. Erickson said (as of Wednesday), there were no dogs up for adoption, and three cats. She said they cannot take all the stray and feral cats they receive calls about, simply because there is not enough room. There are seven cat cages, including one that is big enough for a momma cat and her kittens. When an animal is brought-in, it is held for three-days before it is put up for adoption. Anyone missing an animal should check the Atlantic Animal Shelter’s Facebook page. Erickson said that has been a great resource for quickly reuniting pets and their owners.

In his report to the Council, City Administrator John Lund he is fully ensconced in the budget, but that his “Patience is wearing thin,” with some boards and commissions “Going nuts with spending.” Lund says he will be doing a “Direct reality check with the various elements of the City and remind them of a few facts.” Lund said right now, it appears there will be no increase in the tax asking next year, with the levy at $16.86 per thousand dollars taxable property valuation. The City Council praised Lund for keeping the budget tight and cracking down on any potential wasteful spending. Councilman Chris Jimerson told Lund, that if he gets any flack from those boards and commissions, he should let him (Jimerson) know.