The Nashville City Council met last night and approved the purchasing of many items of equipment for various departments, so it was a costly meeting.  The Police Department had 3 items that were needed.  They purchased some tasers a couple of years ago, but not enough for all officers, so they had to pass them around.  The decision was approved to purchase 4 more, so everyone would have a taser with them at all times.  The quote is for $5,953.51, but that will come out of a $7,000 Safety Grant.  Holsters were already purchased the first time for everyone, so no others were needed.  Next the Council approved the purchase of a 2014 Dodge Charger as a new squad car.  This was through a state purchase, as they buy them in such a large bulk, they can pass the savings onto local departments.  The cost will be $25,777 and this includes the clean-up by Meier Chevrolet Buick.  Chief Brian Fletcher will put a list together of what can be salvaged from the replaced vehicle to be added to the new car.  The Council usually tries to purchase a new vehicle every year, but they did not last year.  This new vehicle will replace a 2008 Charger that has been having electrical problems and had been in a front-end collision.  The final item was discussed at the last meeting of a radio that has gone out and a new digital radio was approved for the amount of $1,966 to replace the broken one.  Also, Mayor Raymond Kolweier mentioned that the city is in the process of getting houses and yards cleaned up.  The Streets Department also needed some equipment.  They are in the process of rehabbing some trucks and that includes replacing some panels.  To do this in house, which can save money, the Council approved 3 pieces of equipment at the cost of $5,859, but they will receive a $200 rebate later.  The items include a welder, plasma cutter and aluminum spool gun.  The departments can share the equipment when needed and it should save money as they can make their own repairs and own pieces of metal.  The Council also approved the bid quotes from Beelman Ready Mix for concrete, when needed for a project.  It is $67 for 2 cubic yards or more and $69 for less than that space.  Councilman Terry Kozuszek reported that 235 residents recycled 9.69 tons last month.  The Mayor asked the Council to brainstorm for ideas to help the recycling program handle the large request, as the truck is filled very quickly on Wednesdays and people are turned away, which leads them to just throwing away the recyclable items.  They learned an employee is leaving the Water Department, so they approved the hiring of Toby Dinkelman, a current Utility Department employee.  It will be a lateral move, so there will be no change in wages or salary or benefits.  No one will replace him in the Utilities Department at this time.  A couple of handheld meter reader units are not working, so the Council approved the purchase of 2 units for $9,980.60.  Currently it is taking longer to read the meters as there is not enough equipment, as well as some readings have been inaccurate.  City Clerk Joyce Sheridan talked about the parking problem at City Hall, which is during business hours.  Citizens have complained that there is not enough parking in front.  Therefore, the Council approved to put some signs up in a nearby lot.  Also, businesses have complained that customers need the parking in the back.   This lot is to the north of City Hall, between the new Judicial Building and the Library, which will be for city employees and city vehicles visiting City Hall.  They agreed to put up 5 signs to reserve parking in that lot.  Councilman Keith Reckmann gave the Council some information on some insurance policies that have premiums coming due.  They worked through Baldwin House and the dental plan will go up approximately 3 percent and it will remain with Advantica.  There is no change in the term-life insurance as it will remain at $6.25 per employee, per month.  These were approved by the Council.  They tabled making a decision on the health insurance.  Current provider Blue Cross Blue Shield came back with a 43 percent increase.  After talking to them, they offered insurance at a 24 percent increase.  Therefore, the Council looked at Coventry Insurance and they came back with comparable insurance at no increase.  The Council is going to allow Blue Cross Blue Shield to try to match before switching.