HERMANN — Private septic companies would be allowed to dump their loads of waste into the city’s sewer system under legislation that will be presented to the Board of Aldermen (BOA) in two weeks.

The city attorney was directed to draft the bill during Monday night’s second regular session of the aldermen. The recommendation to allow the dumping comes from the city’s Utility Advisory Board, which is suggesting a $60-per-load fee for the private companies.

Department of Public Works Director Jesse Geltz told the board that several municipalities in the state were surveyed to see what their policy is regarding private companies dumping into their sewer systems. Of the 16 cities responding to the inquiry, 10 said they do not allow private companies to dump while six do allow it.

In other matters, the BOA voiced support for the temporary installation of a STOP sign on Schiller Street at 3rd Street. Alderman Chad Walton had formally requested the sign as way to slow traffic on Schiller and improve safety for the many pedestrians that travel along — and across — the Historic District street.

“Everybody wants the STOP sign,” Walton said of his fellow merchants along Schiller.

But Alderman Jim Schirmer said he’s not sure a STOP sign at the intersection will improve safety that much, noting that already a narrow street, Schiller often becomes one lane with vehicles stopping in the street to make deliveries of for the occupants to briefly enter one of the businesses — often leaving their car door open, which further complicates travel along the street.

“I don’t think a STOP sign will help you,” Schirmer said. “I think it’s more of a driver problem. I think it will impede” traffic, he added.

But Mayor Bruce Cos suggested the proposal is worth trying, if only on a limited basis to gauge the effect.

“I can see the need for it because of the all the businesses there,” he said. The mayor suggested putting up the sign for three months and then reconsider to either remove it or make it permanent.

Walton told the board that motorists are traveling too fast for the street, which is often lined with vehicles on both sides.

“I can tell you people are going 40 and 50 (miles per hour) down the street,” he said. “I think it’s a safety and speeding issue,” he added.

Legislation authorizing the STOP sign will be drafted for the BOA’s next regular session on Monday, Aug. 11.

Also at last night’s session, the board approved the annual service agreement with Motorola Solutions for the city’s radio equipment; approved a Special Event Application for Hermann Area District Hospital Auxiliary for a fundraiser Sept. 6 at the Amphitheater; approved Caterer’s Permit applications for Adam Puchta & Son Wine Company for the Sept. 6 event at the Amphitheater, Lionheart Whiskey Company for Smokefest set at the Amphitheater on Sept. 20, and for the Hermann harvest Festival a week later the Amphitheater. Aldermen also approved the bid from 1st Place Printing for soccer shirts and Wilding Photos for team pictures.