The Copperhill city council met in regular session Monday night with four members present. David Herring was absent.

The council voted 4-0 to keep the property tax rate at $1, the same as the current rate.

Approval was given to provide financial help with a lawsuit if the Copper Basin Medical Center trustees decide it is necessary.

Clara and Larry Maxcy, operators of the New York Restaurant, asked the council to pay for a recent pumping required when toilets backed up from an old grease trap. Clara Maxcy said a plumber couldn’t’ find a problem with a snake, so they  had to dig up the trap and found it was full of water. She said water kept pouring into the trap from the lines under the parking lot behind the restaurant, forcing the pumping company to empty the tank four times. She said they felt it was the city’s problem, insisting it was water from the city’s lines, not grease. The city called Tows septic pumping, who reported there was a grease clog. The council took no action.

Mayor Herb Hood told the city council Monday night that Ross Construction of Cleveland was awarded the bid for the city hall project, which included repairs on the floor of the former YMCA, windows, ceiling work, and the addition of two restrooms. The project, which could begin this week, is expected to take 160 days.

Hood said they are close to getting the upgrade work on the wastewater treatment plant, including enlarging the aerator and digesters.

City recorder Sandi Collins reported that the city’s health insurance rate will go up 5.2%. She said there are options for changing the plan but there was agreement to keep the current coverage.

City workers continue to work on the old city cemetery, cutting brush between the entrance exit to prepare for landscaping and a sign, which will include information about how to report vandalism. Hood said they are still waiting for a quitclaim deed from the Methodist church. Barbara Beaver, who spearheaded cleanup work at the cemetery, thanked city workers for their efforts and said she is waiting to hear whether the cemetery will be included on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the city’s historic district. She asked if they could develop a regular maintenance schedule, such as twice monthly. Hood said it all depends on the city workers’ scheduled but said he is working with the Sheriff’s Department to get jail trusties to help with the work. Beaver said they hope to begin digging up Mimosa stumps to make mowing easier.

Frank Shinpaugh that his wife had busted a tire going over the rail line in front of Roger & Carol’s. Hood said Mike Little was notified and will take care of a problem with the track.