Story courtesy of Jeremy Smith for TOC News Media
The Grayville City Council met in regular session Monday night. Commissioner James was the only member not present.
The meeting opened with approval of the Consent Agenda, followed by the Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Sharon Waldon reports one million, one hundred fifty-two thousand, six hundred thirty-eight dollars and fifteen cents in the Restricted Account, nine hundred sixteen thousand, eight hundred seventy-one dollars and forty-nine cents in the Investment Account, and one hundred sixty thousand, eight hundred and ninety-six dollars and fifty-three cents in Cash Available for Operations, for a total of two million, two hundred thirty thousand, four hundred six dollars and seventeen cents.
The only Commissioner’s report came from Commissioner Jordan, who reports oil revenues in the amounts of one hundred ninety-nine dollars and fifty-four cents, and one thousand, one hundred seventy-nine dollars and sixty-three cents.
The Council then entered Closed Session with no actions reported at this time.
During the Review of Temporary Executive Powers and Disaster Declaration, Commissioner Baldwin inquired into the current COVID-19 restrictions since the region has entered Phase 4. The motion to extend temporary executive powers was unanimously approved.
In old business the Liquor Ordinance Amendment is still in the works, with the item tabled for further discussion. The city reported that a 2nd company has been to the campground in regards to the Electric Upgrade, no bid has been submitted by the company at this time. In Zoning considerations for 209 S. Court Street – McPherson Outdoors, City Attorney Walden reports that Eric Bramlet, the Attorney for McPherson Outdoors has received a denial by the state.
In new business, the city is sending additional information to the state regarding the FNB purchase, the Council and Zoning Board must meet about extending the business district to avoid “Spot Zoning.” A public hearing regarding the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body has been scheduled for Monday, February 22nd, at 7:00 PM at the Grayville City Hall.
According to Treasurer Waldon, the city is concerned about having enough lifeguards to open the pool. Citing that in the past Wabash Valley College held lifeguard training at the campuses indoor pool, however with the current closure of
the WVC pool, the closest place to receive certification is through the Red Cross at the Evansville Y.M.C.A. This is a problem plaguing other area pools, such as Albion and Mount Carmel. The city is planning to run advertisement through local and social media to determine if enough interest in becoming a lifeguard is present, before making any determination.
The board also discussed a ban on planting trees, shrubbery or other flora on public right of ways. Mayor Thompson spoke briefly of instances were this had been an issue, particularly mentioning the recent removal of a bush at the Methodist Church. Commissioner Jordan says while he understands the issue with trees, he doesn’t see any issue with small ornamentals, Mayor Thompson replied that “Whatever’s planted today, could be a headache tomorrow,” stating that damage to sidewalks from tree growth is also an issue. The Council will now move forward with developing the language of the ordinance before any vote is held.
Commissioners Baldwin and Jordan were unanimously appointed to the Committee for Collective Bargaining.
The next Grayville City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 8th, at 7:00 PM at the Grayville City Hall.
