Upgrades complete at Comer’s Arnold Park

This includes repair and cleaning of graffiti from the park’s bathrooms. The work cost $3,762. They next plan to remove the old fences around the Kingsway property recently purchased by the city. By removing the old fence and cleaning the area, the old gym and parking area will be available for festivals, auto shows and other community events. This plan was approved by the council.

In other business, the plan to add an 800-foot turn lane to Hwy. 98 at Comer Elementary School has been submitted to the Department of Transportation for approval. Officials want to start work on the lane as soon as school is out.

The state EPD has rejected a city plan to add a new aerator to the city water treatment plant, saying it would not be adequate. They insist that baffles be added to the pond. The engineering firm of Carter and Slope is preparing revised plans for the project. Meanwhile, repairs on the pump in well number four are completed and it is back in production. The city has been flushing and pressure testing its water lines. Residents with any kind of staining in their water are ask to flush out their pipes.
Stickers to be placed on non-conforming trash cans have been ordered. The city is trying to get all residents to use the authorized containers. These containers add to the efficiency and safety of the collection crews.

The council dealt with two zoning requests Monday. They approved a conditional use request for a home at 575 Laurel Ave. that will allow a small building to be replaced. The owner wants to use the space for cutting hair.

They rejected a rezoning request for 326 West Pine to allow it to be used as an assisted living home. The owner currently has several elderly people living with her on the property. They are listed on the lease as co-residents. While council members praised the homeowner for her concern for the elderly, they found that the rezoning request was not in compliance with the city’s zoning ordinance.