“How do we feel about pushing forward with our repair projects at the old school¸ and spending a little more money to have the bathrooms fixed?” asked Mayor Chris Peck. “The floors look good with the work that’s been done there, and we’ve got some money set aside to start this new task if it’s truly something we want to do.”
Council member Roger Fortson questioned whether any other projects should take precedent over what was suggested.
“Is there anything that must be done first structurally before we undergo another project like this?” asked Fortson.
Peck listed what he believed to be the only outstanding issue.
“While Tom Jackson was repairing the floors he found some places where there was standing water, but said that he could easily fix that while doing the project he’s currently working on,” he said.
Councilman Bert Robinson questioned whether there should be a time frame for its completion.
“Is there a certain time frame by which we would want the project to be completed?” he asked. “The Miss Canna Pageant is coming up, and it would also be convenient for use on the 4th of July.”
Mayor Peck, referring to the bid selection, revealed what would be considered in their choice.
“We’ll take both the price and expected completion date into consideration when choosing the bids,” he said. “But whoever submits a bid needs to have at least a million dollars worth of insurance up front before we’ll even consider them for the job.”
Council member Evelyn Power made a motion in favor of the project.
“If there’s no reason to delay, then I believe we should proceed with the progress we’re making,” said Power.
Peck offered final comments on the matter.
“We’ve spent a lot of money, but we’re getting a lot of good things done,” said Peck. “We’re continuing to move in a positive direction, and I promise I’m not trying to break the bank.”
In other matters, the contract for the old school has officially been signed and the city has made the first payment on the building. Council members said Tom Jackson has made significant progress in the repairing of the floor joist and seals in the old school building. The budget was amended to accurately reflect the money donated by the Improvement Club.
The council decided to pursue drilling for a possible new well site on the property that was recently donated to the city, as well as research the best possible way to tear down the old house that’s currently located on the property.
“We’ve talked about burning it, but we need to get certain permits beforehand to make sure it’s clear of asbestos,” said Peck. “And the GBI has also contacted me about using it for tactical training exercises, in which they would practice breaking in the doors and blowing holes in the walls.”
Also, the council is looking to potentially repaint the Depot, but may face additional problems if the original coat is found to contain a lead base.
