The City of Denmark is in the early stages of completing a competitive block grant application for a new water tower. City Administrator Heyward Robinson informed council members at their December 20, meeting; “Because it is competitive, it is a good chance the City may get the grant,” Robinson said. It was noted that the deadline for the application to be submitted is April of 2011.

Mayor Gerald Wright stated in his mayor’s report that replacing the City’s water tower was the most expensive part of a three-part process to improve the City’s water system that included; installing two new wells and replacing hydrants and valves. The City is also trying to replace old lines in the water system Mayor Wright said. “We’re optimistic it’s headed in the right direction.”

Also during discussion of the City’s water system Councilmember Bonnie Love asked if the City was receiving more or less calls concerning the quality of the water. City administrative assistant Barbara Williams said the number of calls has reduced. Love said the quality of water in the area she lives has improved.

Also during the meeting:

• City Administrator Heyward Robinson reported the City’s water, sewer and general fund were inline for this time of the year with the water and sewer account showing a positive balance of $67,167.10 and the general fund showing a deficit of $92,696.66. The financial report also noted that Intergovernmental Revenues were down 8.5 percent from last year. Mayor Wright said the City experienced “different rates of collections at different time of the year” and this was consistent with past years.

• Denmark firefighter Robert Merkel reported the department responded to 19 calls during the month including; five structure, one gas leak, three auto, one EMS, two false alarms and seven grass. The department is averaging nine people per call and average 15 people attending meetings. It was also reported that 19 business meetings were held and the department has a total of 33 members.

• Officer Bernard Holman reported the police department created 90 case files in December including; hit and run, vehicle theft, CDV, assault and battery, shoplifting, suspicious prowler and burglary. Officer Holman stated that the annual Denmark Christmas Parade was “a good success” and so was the department’s annual Christmas social.

• In the City’s Public Works report Administrator Robinson reported City Administrative Assistant Barbara Williams was nominated to serve on the South State Steel Builders Association Board.