John Willoughby: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, the Town of Lee held their monthly town council meeting at the Town of Lee City Hall. Most city officials were in attendance such as Mayor, James Bell; Council President, Dianne Beck; Council Members: Ronnie Bass, Erika Robinson and Shirley VonRoden; Town Manager, John Anderson; and Attorney, Ernest Page. Councilman Edwin McMullen and County Commissioner, Rick Davis were not in attendance.
The Town of Lee is proceeding with the grant renovations to the ball field behind City Hall. The last of five loads of clay needed for the renovations was delivered on Monday, Nov. 6. Electricians have begun work on the lights and the town is looking to get a welder to work on the bleachers.
Beginning the meeting, Ronnie Bass made the motion to accept the evening's agenda and Erika Robinson seconded the motion. The agenda was approved unanimously. Before the meeting continued, minutes from two regular council meetings and two special meetings were reviewed by the council.
One citizen came to the podium to address the concern of parks and their custodial problem. The citizen stated that his main concern is that the parks are not being kept up as well as they should be.
Deep South Gas and Steam Engines asked to host their annual gathering on Mar. 16 through Mar. 18, 2018 at the Lee City Hall. Remarks were made that Deep South Gas and Steam Engines has used the venue before and were extremely happy about it. Fees were waived and a motion was approved unanimously to allow Deep South Gas and Steam Engines to host their gathering at the Lee City Hall. This completed the new business segment of the meeting.
The Lee Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) reported at the meeting that they will be hosting their annual Boot Drive for Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 2. Town Manager, John Anderson discussed multiple reports and requests. Anderson reported that Amon Doyle, who bid $750 for a Hustler Lawn Mower paid the City Hall the day after the auction and picked up the mower. Anderson also reported that a citizen, local to Lee, would like to put a bench around the lake, in memory of her mother. The council agreed that the request would be granted in exchange for a donation or payment for the bench.
Anderson announced that the Christmas Lighting Contest will be held Thursday, Dec. 14. The first place winner will receive $50 and the second place winner will receive $30. The third place winner will receive $20. The town will inform citizens of the dates of judging on their next utility bill.
Anderson informed the council that Department of Environment Protection (DEP) did approve the grant to remove the ballfields from the Ben Blair Park. Anderson mentioned that the owner of a local trailer park came in and asked the town for their help to clean up their property. The Town of Lee referred the resident to a company that will perform the type of work that was needed.
Next on the agenda was utility bills. A motion to pay bills was approved.
Lastly, Attorney Ernest Page spoke on the adoption of a 'clean-up' ordinance. The council requested that Page come up with multiple options of ordinances that the council can select.
Closing comments came from Council President Beck. Beck stated that she would like to see the council purchase playground equipment for the park at City Hall. Mayor Bell also mentioned the fact that Cherry Farms Hardware had closed and the county Chamber of Commerce moved to the 4-H Agriculture Center.