Brewster city council addresses fair housing, better interest earnings

BREWSTER – The Brewster City Council passed two resolutions at its regular monthly meeting last Thursday, March 16. One concerned updating the city’s Fair Housing Policy and the other the grievance procedure for Commercial Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded projects.

City Police Chief Marcos Ruiz reported that the department will observe National Night Out on the first Tuesday of August and coordinate it with the school district. Ruiz said the glow sticks handed out at last year’s 4th of July celebration were such a hit with the kids that the department plans to offer them again this year.

Finance Director/City Clerk Misty Ruiz queried the council about investing a portion of the city’s $4 million in bank funds, $2 million of which is earning only .1 percent interest.

“It would be really nice if we could earn a little more interest,” said Ruiz.

Ruiz said she has been consulting with the city investment advisor and considering very secure instruments that carry the same rating as U.S. Treasuries (AAA by Moody’s, AA+ by S&P). Ruiz said the surplus funds have not been needed for any city projects for the past two years and could be making a better return to city coffers. The council authorized Ruiz to proceed.

Public Works Director Lee Webster requested council approval of city engineer J-U-B professional services agreement for wastewater system improvements and a second J-U-B agreement related to taxilane development at Anderson Field Airport. Both agreements were approved.