By Tommi O. Peters
For The Tribune
SPRINGVILLE – Seventh grader Isaac Puckett made his second appearance before the council to present updated estimates for his Eagle candidate project with Boy Scout Troop 124. Mayor William Isley and city council members unanimously approved a 50 percent match of funding up to $4,500 for the installation of a dog park at Big Springs Park. Project updates and donation opportunities can be found at BigSpringsDogPark.com.
Librarian Jamie Twente reported an unexpected state funding check of $2,200, which the council approved for appropriate to expand the library’s audiobook collection.
“People that use the audiobooks always wish that we had more of them, but they are very expensive,” Twente said. “These funds from the state can allow us to purchase more.”
Fire Chief Richard Harvey reported the addition of two employees who are expected to begin work by the end of January.
“We will be at full staffing for the first time in three years,” Harvey said.
Among other agenda items, the council approved:
• Appointment of Charles Underwood to a three year term as supernumerary for the Board of Adjustment. A supernumerary attends meetings and votes only when a quorum cannot be met otherwise.
• Ordinances 2019-01-03 allowing annexation of contiguous properties at 261 Crawford Drive, 261 Crawford Drive, and adjoining properties at 101 & 111 Heritage Place.
• Resolution 2019-01 also passed, allowing the city to seek legislative annexation of noncontiguous properties at 10255 US Highway 11, 227 Heritage Valley Drive and 25 Lisa Lane.
Isley relayed notice from Norfolk Southern that railroad crossings at Old Springs Road and Cross Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25.
In observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21, the next regularly scheduled meeting of the council will be Thursday, Jan. 24, at 6:00 p.m., with a preceding workshop at 5:30 p.m.