Hatfield Park retaining wall to be replaced

• Benson addresses pigeon problem

 

October 9, 2016

Marione Martin

Bonni Sidders, treasurer of the Alva Friends of Play, describes improvements planned to a play area in Hatfield Park. She spoke to the Alva City Council Monday, Oct. 3.

The large children's play structure near the east entrance to Hatfield Park is showing wear and tear. The Alva Friends of Play Foundation intends to remedy some problems with the 18-year-old structure. Bonnie Sidders, treasurer of the foundation, presented their plans to the Alva City Council Monday, Oct. 3.

Sidders said the wooden retaining wall by the play area needs to be replaced. Timbers have fallen on one side and rebar is exposed. The Friends of Play want to replace the wooden retaining wall with a concrete one, shifting its location a little and extending it to include a seating area.

The Friends of Play will advertise for contractors, select the contractor and inspect the retaining wall construction. The cost of the improvement is estimated at $10,000.

Sidders said the foundation will handle the entire project but wanted to present their plans for approval to the council. She said they may include a fundraising aspect with children allowed to place their handprints in the concrete for a donation. This group wants to tackle this project before proceeding to add more toys to the east side of the park. The council voted unanimous approval for the project.

New Water Rates Approved

In a September meeting, the Alva Utility Authority approved new water rates for governmental entities. Monday the Alva City Council passed Resolution No. 2016-008 putting those rates into effect. The city had already set up a new water rate schedule for other classes of water users. These rates will affect schools, the university and the prison.

Other Business

A budget amendment approved by the council acknowledged the addition of $3,511 from an insurance claim for a vandalized cemetery mower. Alva Business Manager Joe Don Dunham said this is slightly less than the $3,900 required for a replacement mower due to the city's insurance deductible. The difference will be made up through transfers from other budget line items.

The council accepted the donation of a pavilion valued at $9,600 at the Alva Municipal Cemetery from Arden and Nicki Chaffee and Debbie Wilson. These individuals paid for construction of the pavilion. The city spent about $2,900 last year for a concrete ramp from the road to the pavilion. The city will now be responsible for maintenance of the structure.

A request to withdraw retirement funds in a lump sum by Randy Rhodes was approved. Rhodes has retired from his employment with the city.

The council approved Mayor Kelly Parker's appointment of Steve Ward to the Alva Hospital Authority for a five year term. He will replace Terry Cline whose term expired. Cline said he did not wish to continue on the board.

Chris Eckhardt was the only council member not present. The council approved minutes of the last meeting as well as the payment of claims totaling $58,721.80 and payroll expenses of $139, 421.15.

During council comments, Councilmember Bryce Benson said he'd like to see the city do "whatever is legal to get rid of the pigeons downtown." Benson said they shouldn't just transplant them to a new location as they tend to return. Dunham said the city has been evaluating a couple of measures to remove the pigeons.

The Alva Utility Authority met following the council adjournment, approving minutes of the previous meeting, claims of $40,957.39 and payroll expenses of $37,964.52.

The Alva Economic Development Authority met, approving minutes of the last meeting, claims of $19,937.18 and payroll expenses of $10,097.36.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Arc
Newsgram

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/28/2024 03:35