Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report.
Often the items brought before the City Council are clear and defined in their purpose and design. Approval or denial follows without much indecision, but the issue of allowing a sculpture exhibit along Main Street failed on Monday evening May 24, 2022. In previous Council meetings, it was made clear that the Council was not in favor of funding the artists (to the tune of approximately $22,000.) So, supporting funds were solicited from community organizations and business owners, who realized the value of such an art display. The only decisions remaining to be solved before the final vote were the funding of the base concrete pads [on which ten sculptures would be affixed] at a cost of $840, and approximately eight hours of City employee labor [to prepare the pads and mount the sculptures.] The sculptures would be in place for a year on-and-near the renovated Main Street area. Several Councilmen questioned the proposed locations. Sidonna Mahaffey felt the art would “draw people off Route 30 onto Main Street.” Josh West noted the placement of sculptures would “liven up the dead areas.” A final vote was called on a motion from Josh West and seconded by Kevin Bruckner, Jr. It failed by a 5-3 vote against going forward with the project.
A zoning variance at 614 W. Main Street for Randall Renkes returned to the Agenda and received extensive discussion before action was taken. The Renkes property held an old garage that was built prior to any Ordinance being passed, regulating the distance that a structure can be built from a neighbor’s property line. The ordinance requires a building set-back from the property line of 60 inches. Renkes was asking that the distance be allowed at 4 feet, so the new structure would set on the existing concrete pad. Much conflicting discussion preceded the final vote, that would allow Renkes to build the new structure on the existing concrete pad, even though it defied the Ordinance 22-06 parameters.
Several explanations surfaced in discussion on Non-Action items.
Moring Disposal: The City has received various complaints related to the newly-implemented garbage collection system. City Administrator Barry Dykhuizen reminded those in attendance that “trash must be in the new container.” Moring admitted to Dykhuizen that there would be “growing pains,” but they felt the process would “improve with each passing week.”
Alderman compensation: Alderman compensation ($900/year) was established in 1992. It is significantly below most area communities, according to research by Dykhuizen. A vote will be taken at the next Council meeting (June 6,) to raise the annual compensation to $1800 per year for 24 meetings.
GE Razing: The final raising of the GE facility is scheduled to be surrounded by metal fencing and green tarps. The Council favors adding trees or bushes to hide the remains, and the suggestion will be offered to the company owning the debris-removal contract. Details will follow at future Council meetings.
Grove Hill Cemetery burials: Noting the fact that the number of burials is annually lessening and the cremations are increasing, the City is considering contracting the burial preparations out to a private contractor. Contracting would eliminate the need to upgrade old equipment used in digging and hauling (approximately $120,000) and paying City employees to provide the service. Removing the City from the burial transaction and placing the entire burial action between the contractor and the family will be further discussed at future Council meetings.
June 1, 2022, at 6:00 p.m., was set for a Special City Council Meeting, solely intended for the discussion regarding Recreation Programming and Staffing. This Special Meeting is open to the public.