By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
It was a shorter meeting for the Davis Town Council when they gathered recently at Davis Town Hall. Mayor Doug Martin called the meeting to order with Recorder Andy Snyder calling roll. Council persons Lisa Cousin and Al Tomson were absent, though a quorum was present.
Guests wishing to speak were addressed with a limit of five minutes each to speak. Bob Guido spoke first, asking “When are they going to clean that ghetto up?” Martin stated that estimates were being sought to attempt to begin that process.
Pat Pregley reiterated Guido’s concern for the “Small’s House Cleanup”. He expressed the potential need for a structural engineer and the need to give the owners notice. “As soon as I get this estimate, I’ll send it to them,” replied Martin. Pregley is requesting the town tax money go toward cleaning up the town beginning with this project.
Pregley also requested an update on a town employee receiving his CDL license. According to Pregley, this individual was hired with the agreement the license would be obtained, however it has been over a year and it still has not been fulfilled. Martin told the council and Pregley that the individual was set to take the test earlier that day, however a water leak occurred and he was instructed to address that issue and reschedule the test for next week.
Jeanette Ware informed the council that people are still parking where they are not supposed to regardless of the “no parking” signs.
Savannah Hull Wilkins announced a neighborhood watch meeting is scheduled for February 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Flyers are being placed throughout the town as well as postings on social media. Wilkins has contacted Tucker County Sheriff B.K. Wilfong who plans to attend the event as well.
Louise Hall asked about the plans for a replacement garbage truck, though the status of the landfill is a determining factor for this purchase. Councilman Ted Helmick informed Hall and others that they need to see if the employees will need to begin hauling the trash elsewhere if the landfill closes, which will help determine the size of the truck needed. Hall asked if the town employee who has yet to earn his CDL license will lose his job if he doesn’t get the promised licensure. Martin was unsure of the answer to her question; however, Pregley spoke up saying he has been paid throughout his employment at the CDL rate.
Returning to the agenda, Martin moved into committee reports. Accounts payable and fund balances were presented to the council for review, saying, “Finances look great.” Helmick provided an updated list of current and completed projects pertaining to streets, alleys, and water works. Martin read a vacation request from Sherri Helmick for February 17 through February 20. Recorder Andy Snyder made a motion to approve that request with a second by Councilwoman Cindy Robeson.
The deadline to accept applications for a town water clerk was Friday, February 14. Council will gather an hour prior to the public town hall meeting on February 26 to review the applicants and determine those who are qualified and will be interviewed.
This spring, the town will seek out Jeff Simmons to reset some of the cemetery headstones that have been removed or fallen over.
Revisiting the request of the Park and Recreation Committee to contribute $10,000 toward the purchase of the final boulder at the Boulder Park was next on the agenda. The town has around $49,000 in their account from hotel/motel tax that could be utilized towards this project. “That’s what it’s there for,” proclaimed Martin. Councilman John Felton made a motion to allocate $10,000 to the boulder purchase with Robeson making a second. All council was in favor of the motion.
The bills were approved and presented with a motion by Snyder and Robeson followed by adjournment of the meeting. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. As always, the public is welcome to attend.
