“As soon as we discovered the bats in there, we knew something had to be done to get them out as soon as possible,” said Mayor Chris Peck at Monday’s city council meeting. “With the amount of kids that are in and out of there, it’s just a problem waiting to happen.”
Council member Evelyn Power asked about the use the building actually receives.
“Who all still uses that gym, and what exactly do they use it for?” she asked.
Peck outlined the building’s usage.
“The rec department uses the building for various classes that they offer, and it’s also open for kids to go in and shoot basketball as well,” he said.
Council member Bert Robinson inquired about the recreation department’s use of the building.
“Does the rec department currently have a contract to continue using the building?” asked Robinson.
Peck listed reasons for which a speedy removal was in need.
“The rec department has a lease to use the old gym for karate classes and things like that, but they can’t renew it if the place is infested with bats,” said Peck. “I want the building to continue getting use instead of being boarded up and deserted, so we’ve got to get these things out.”
Peck provided a final comment on the matter and the steps that would be taken for the bats removal.
“Between the rec department, the county and ourselves, I’m hoping we can get this taken care of pretty quickly,” he said. “Until then though I’ll go ahead and start taking bids for someone that can do the job!”
OTHER BUSINESS
In other matters, the city council unanimously decided to go through with the contract to purchase the old school building. An air easement was granted to the Trinrud’s to build a deck over a portion of city-owned sidewalk. The council was presented plans to build restrooms within the old school, but tabled the discussion in order to pursue bids for the repairing of the gym’s unlevel floor.
The city is discussing the possibility of a new contract with Piedmont Water. The Christmas in Colbert event is scheduled to take place Dec. 9, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Also, on Dec. 8-10, Colbert Baptist Church will host a Bethlehem Village for guests to walk through and view the various scenes and displays.
