After several months of interviews, the Lafayette City Council has agreed to hire a new Fixed Base Operator for the Lafayette Airport. Hired to fill the position are Byron F. Stevens, Tim Conner, and Bradford Stevens. The three men will be responsible for maintaining the airport. At the Lafayette City Council meeting Tuesday, January 4, the committee formed to interview for the position presented their findings.

In the meeting, Tim Conner said that he hoped to bring additional business opportunities into the city and looks forward to working with the City of Lafayette.

John Poole, auditor, reported no problems for the 2003/2004. He found no unusual findings.

Ordinance #479, an ordinance to color code fire hydrants, was approved by the council. Also approved was ordinance #480, the ordinance to provide regulations relative to the location of sexually oriented business establishments.

Mayor Bill Wells reported that before Christmas carbon monoxide was detected inside city hall. It was determined that two new heating units were needed for the building. Bids were sent out and Bransford Electrical and Mechanical submitted the lowest bid at $4,278.

The recreational board for 2004 was announced. Two new members, Reba Walrond and Felicia Shrum, will join J.Y. Carter, Brian West, and Reba Bellar on this committee.

A two year contract was signed between Smith County landfill and the city at $30 per ton tip fee. According to Mayor Wells, this is the best option for the city.

The council agreed to approve a volunteer deduction for additional life insurance through Fort Dearborn Life. This will be a payroll deduction. 25% participation was needed to begin the process and approximately 30 employees agreed to the plan.

January employee evaluations and salary increases were approved. Nine employees were presented to the payroll committee. The committee presented their findings to the council and the council agreed to the salary increase.

Also approved was a cost of living salary increase. The Department of Labor reported that the cost of living salary increase was 2.7%.

The next meeting of the Lafayette City Council will be February 1, at 7 p.m.