Kelly Greene - Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Tuesday, Nov.1, the Lee Town Council held their monthly meeting in Kinsey Hall at the Town Hall of Lee. After opening with prayer and the pledge, it was established there were no amendments to be made to the agenda and the minutes for the meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 4 were accepted as printed.
Since there was no discussion, the council introduced the first person with a public comment, Donna Muller. First Muller thanked the public works director, for all the excellent work that has been accomplished under his direction. She said that his workers are to be commended for their diligence and just plain hard work. “Our town is beginning to turn back to the way it was, neat, clean and well-maintained. It's amazing to see what can be accomplished when someone is willing to work,” added Muller. She also thanked the members of the town council that stood up for Lee and made this all happen and for having the courage and backbone to stand up to the town bully.
Following Muller's comment, Eddie Ball introduced the next person with a public comment, Aaron Beck. Beck began by thanking the council for working for the Town of Lee for almost a year and a half and he was sorry that it didn't work out. He expressed his concern with the new standing rule that the trash cans at every park were to be emptied twice a week. Beck said he was recently at the park and all the trash cans were full, the grass was overgrown onto the sidewalks, the sides of the sidewalks had ant beds that could potentially harm a child and the monkey bars are falling apart. He suggested they be replaced. Beck went on to say he had been blamed for things not getting done when he worked for them and things are still not getting done since his departure. He told the council he had informed the supervisor, town manager and the mayor that the people next door were having trouble with their pump and the problem was still not fixed. The board decided not to comment.
Council member, Eddie Ball stated that there was no new or old business.
Town Manager John Anderson discussed the rail-road crossing which is to be completed by CSA. He explained how the materials are to be brought in and the prep work will be complete before shutting the road down. He estimated it would take three days to complete the task. Anderson pointed out that the job faces quite an obstacle with the traffic and CSA met with the county, on Thursday, Nov. 3 to work some monetary issues. It was his understanding that they are moving forward and will be completed soon.
Concerning Blair Park, Anderson said Russell Smith came back out to finish up the north property line. He said there had been a lot of material that Smith and Anderson's team have moved out, trying to complete the project. He said that they still had a little bit of pick up to do and a cracked board that should be fixed on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Concerning the stone sign, Anderson met with William Winter and there were plans to fix the sign on Wednesday, Nov. 3. Winter will return the following week, to clean up around the sign and touch it up, if needed.
Anderson stated that he met with a gentleman last week concerning the park grants. He had good ideas on how to make the most use out of the funds that are available. With the two grants they have and everything that is proposed, it will not fit within the budget but they will continue to work on it. Ball asked Anderson if they needed to set up a workshop and Anderson said he would get back with him on the subject.
Anderson then discussed renting Town Hall on weekends, when it is available, generating additional income for the town. He mentioned plans to buy some additional white tables, and chairs. He will be getting some figures for the chairs and he estimates them to cost up to $2,000, but it will be brought back up at a later date.
Anderson mentioned the Toys for Tots program had a box set up at the Town Hall and other places around town. This program is asking for un-wrapped toys to help less fortunate children.
The last thing on Anderson's agenda was the Christmas lighting contest. They discussed the need for outside judges and each board member agreed to pay $15 with the exception of the president who will pay $20. Ball mentioned that it needed to be agreed upon tonight so it could be put on the utility bills. The board agreed but the date will be worked out at a later time. Anderson mentioned that last years first place winners were, Pat and Elaine Doyle.
Paying the bills was next on the agenda with a 4-0 vote to pay them.
Ernie Page, town attorney, said the paperwork had been submitted to put a lien on Mr. Lee's property. There were no questions or comments for Page.
The meeting was then adjourned.