Council Holds Oct. 28 Meeting
By Sue Curry Jones
The Ava Board of Aldermen convened Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. to facilitate a routine monthly business session at Ava City Hall.
Alderman Burrely Loftin chaired the meeting as council president; Mayor Eddie Maggard was absent.
Council members attending were David Norman and Bill Long of the city’s west ward, and Loftin and Keith Jones, of the east ward.
In a 3-0 vote, council voted to incorporate a small section of land into City property holdings. The strip, located at NW 13th at Hwy. 14, near Cooper Lumber parking, was offered to the City of Ava by David Norman. In a previous meeting, Norman admitted that he had originally purchased the strip of land for future personal use, but the project never materialized. Now, it seemed appropriate to give the piece to the city for the possible use in expanding a city street.
Motions to accept the parcel were given by aldermen Bill Long and Keith Jones. Norman abstained from the vote.
The aldermen also voted to amend an ordinance with an editing change and revision that noted four survey copies were needed rather than two copies, as previously written. The revision was for a section entitled, Chapter 90, Subdivisions, Section 90-112, Lot Split, and amended the wording to specify two survey copies for the City of Ava and two for the county. Director of Development Janice Lorrain said the county now requires two copies for their records, and the ordinance needed to reflect that change.
Motions were by aldermen Keith Jones and Bill Long. The vote was unanimous.
Readdressing city pool repairs, the aldermen reviewed material costs to patch the pool deck and concrete seams at the Ava Water Park. Council authorized repairs during a prior meeting, as well as requested repairs are completed before colder temperatures arrive.
For the project, council selected the following materials: a one-gallon bucket of Rust Oleum two-part patch and repair, industrial strength, $23; 300 Fast Polysulfate silicone sealant for underwater use, $247.08 for a quantity of one 1½-gallon bucket; and three tubes of concrete Epoxy shield, with a special tube gun, for $210.19.
Materials and cost estimates were presented by City Code Enforcer Kurtis McGee, who also said the patch and seam repairs will be done by city employees, no outside labor costs will be incurred.
Director of Development Janice Lorrain reported the search for an engineering firm to assist in the conversion of the former Town & Country Bank building into a future home for City Hall, have been published. Lorrain said engineering firms are to respond to the request for qualifications by Thursday, Nov. 13.
During Tuesday’s meeting, two agenda items were tabled as more information was required. City Clerk Suzanne Welsh asked to table the water/sewer department bids for the purchase of a lift station control panel as additional measurements were needed for the equipment purchase.
The aldermen asked to table bids submitted for the purchase of a truck for the city maintenance department. Bids received were from Lakey & Lakey, Inc. of Ava, and Davis Auto Sales, of Ava, but the bid offerings fell short of expectations and needs, and council wanted more time to pursue additional options. Rick Graham, of the city maintenance department, advised the truck must be able to transport two mowers, which weigh a total of about 7,000 lbs. Administrative Director Peggy Porter said $15,000 was budgeted for the purchase.
In closed session, council voted to impose disciplinary action on a city employee. The consequences were a four week suspension without pay.
Alderman Bill Long advised a meeting has been tentatively set for Monday, Nov. 10, to discuss issues surrounding the possible quarantine needs of an Ebola outbreak in Ava and Douglas County. Long said the meeting originated at the state level, and local officials are invited to attend. The meeting will be held at the MOCH center.
In a 4-0 vote, the municipal court docket was approved as presented. Motions were by Norman and Jones.
Due to bid deadlines, aldermen changed the time and date of the next council meeting to Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m.
Council meetings are held at City Hall, 127 SW 2nd Avenue, in Ava.
