There was discussion of hiring an appraiser to value property on S. 5th Street that the city may want to purchase in order to straighten a sharp curve there. However, a survey must be done first at an estimated cost of $300 to $600 before the appraisal. The appraisal cost was estimated at $800. It was placed on next week’s regular council meeting agenda.
Next week’s meeting was moved up to Monday, August 6 due to National Night Out activities planned for the following night.
An appraisal is also being sought for the old post office building on Tennessee Avenue. The city wants to purchase the building from the US Postal Service in Atlanta. What to do with the building if the city buys it remains up in the air. There was discussion of its historical value and how grants might be available to help with the purchase. It was proposed the building could be used by local cultural and historic groups. Mayor Mike Stanfield agreed there was no great need for the building but that it would be a shame if it continued to sit there unused. A $1500 fee for an appraisal will be voted on at next week’s meeting.
It appears the city’s postponed fireworks display from a month ago due to dry conditions may now be happening on Saturday, September 1. A final vote on that date will take place Monday night.
Council memebrs heard of three police department employees either seeking full-time employment or a promotion in ranks. Homer Herrell is currently a part-time employee on the force and, if council approves, will become full-time. Sarah Guder, a dispatcher, is also seeking full-time status while Brian Tiller is to be promoted to sergeant with a $1500 increase in salary. Hansford Hatmaker requested copies of their resumes from Chief Jimmie Jeffries. All three items were placed on the agenda for next week.
Local artist Curtis Wilson spoke to council about possibly doing art and wall mural work for the new library. He spoke of possibly using local children in a project. He is asking for supplies and some compensation for his work but noted how such art inspires civic pride at a minimal cost. Wilson also raised the possibility of doing similar work on open walls or sides of buildings downtown. Council members seemed open to the idea and put the item up for more discussion Monday night.
Ordinance 2012-04 which would establish guidelines for all city parks was tabled for now as city attorney Reid Troutman was still working on it. The ordinance came about after complaints from citizens of pet owners leaving dog droppings in Seargant’s Park and the walking trails.
There are repairs needed to some of the sidewalk along the walking trail downtown. A request for funding was put on next week’s agenda but it was noted grant money (80/20) was also available.
City Administator Cade Sexton said the city has been advised to settle on a pending lawsuit with a local woman who fell on a city sidewalk several years ago. Reid Troutman is advising the city settle for $5000.
Mike Malicote presented blueprints showing roof work needed on the old E. LaFollette school, West LaFollette (rec center), Fire Hall #3 and the city’s municipal building totaling an estimated $760,000. Council discussed whether to bid all those jobs out or perhaps prioritize ones needing work the most. A vote will take place Monday night.
A new furniture company is moving into the renovated Lyons Trading Post building employing about five people. The new owners want the city to pave part of the road near the building.
Finally, Hansford Hatmaker said he wants to see each council member appointed as a liason to different city departments. They would not be in any supervisory position, just a go-between to make it easier to get information from department heads for council meetings.
