In an efficient and good-humored meeting last Wednesday, the Freedom Town Board handled several routine items of business. All members were present – Mayor Shad Brackin and trustees Rolando Galindo and Concha Herrera – as were Town Clerk Cindy Reed and CDBG grant consultant Jennifer Firgard.

Most of the items had to do with the new CDBG grant: the board approved a change order for the grant and the payment of the OEDA invoice using the CDBG funds. They also approved past meeting minutes and purchase orders for general, ambulance, fire and grant funds.

They approved a resolution that provides notice of election. “We have to do the elections,” explained Reed. “We do not do a town hall vote, so we have to have a resolution in place with the county election board to hold our elections, so that way they know what to put on the ballot.”

Sidewalk, Gas Line Projects

Reed and Brackin between them summarized recent town maintenance activities, primarily the sidewalk project and the gas line project.

The sidewalk project is going as planned, although cold weather is causing a few minor issues, such as requiring thermal blankets to be placed on the area at night. The actual sidewalk work, funded by the CDBG grant, is expected to begin later this month.

“Everything seems to be on schedule with that project, which is good,” said Brackin. “I know that they're in communication with the post office – at some point we may be involved in sending letters out about the disruption in service when they have to temporarily remove the mailboxes,” he said, adding that this was not imminent.

Travis Harrison with Harrison Construction will soon begin construction on the gas line, funded by the REAP grant. Firgard commented that Harrison seems to be the only company working on gas lines in the relevant area.

“Apparently,” said Brackin. “I'm thinking it's either a really good business to be in or a really bad one.”

The REAP contract has been received in the mail, Reed later reported.

“Shad, the sidewalk project and the steel line – they're not going to cause problems for each other?” asked Galindo.

“They could,” said Brackin, “but they're in communication with each other. They both made me think they will be okay.”

“They're right alongside each other,” Galindo pointed out.

“Our project is only going to be a half-block into the sidewalk project,” Brackin said. “Hopefully, they'll be able to work together.”

Brackin concluded the meeting by thanking Firgard for all her help with the CDBG grant process. Reed chimed in with thanks as well.

“Don't thank me yet; it's not done!” said Firgard. “We just have to get to the finish line now.”