By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
All members were present at the Davis Town Council meeting where Pete Johson attended to offer an update on the Davis Riverwalk Project. He stated there were some sewer line egress issues, and when a deed search was performed and discovered a 10 foot egressonn for new constructions would be needed.
After discussing at a previous meeting some concerns with changes in the floodplain levels, Johnson spoke with Jackson Engineering and was told everything remained the same when the data was collected 10 years ago.
The 60 foot lot beside Blackwater Bikes has had several businesses showing interest. Eric Swecker has that lot under contract with intentions to purchase and build a restaurant and retail facility. Councilman Al Tomson asked about adequate parking for that space with Johnson replying that Blackwater Bikes would share parking in front of their store.
Johnson continued stating that the upper pavilion project would be the first structure that would be built. Mayor Doug Martin asked if the first house that will be built would fall under a Home Owners Association, which Johnson said it would not, because it would be his personal house. Martin explained to Johnson that he (Johnson) would be responsible for the infrastructure to that dwelling and would have to run his own line with meters.
A meeting with the Department of Natural Resources was held to discuss establishment of fishing trails, docks, and canoe access points. Johnson stated the DNR requested riverfront access for these potential projects. He continued stating the land donations would expand BWFSP and could lead to a new access to the park.
Upon returning to the order of business, the accounts payable were presented to the council for review. This included an invoice to be paid towards the Water Improvement Project for a total of $654,203.40 Tomson made a motion to pay the invoice with a second from Councilman Terry Helmick with all in favor.
The 202 LWCF Resolution was reviewed and a motion made from Councilwoman Jeanette Ware to submit the resolution with a second from Councilman John Felton with all in agreement.
A list of the jobs associated with streets, alleys, and water works completed from November 6 through December 5 were discussed. The contract with Dave Smigal was needed to be reviewed to correct the amount dated for January 13, 2020. The council voted to enter into an executive session and upon return, it was announced no decisions had been made.
Town Employee J.D. Kennard passed his water certification test and it was proposed that he would be offered a pay raise. A motion was made by Tomson with a second from Helmick before brief discussion commenced. When Martin asked for all in favor, those raising their hand included Helmick, Ware, Tomson, and Councilwoman Cindy Robeson. Those opposed were Felton and Recorder Andy Snyder, and the motion passed four to two.
The Boulder Park will become the responsibility of the Town of Davis after January 1, 2021 per a motion made by Tomson and a second from Helmick. Two individuals were recommended to serve on the Davis Planning Commission, which were Charlotte Wales and Samanta Gravell. Tomson moved to approve the two appointees with a second from Helmick and all in favor.
The Davis Medical Center is seeking a location to provide a medical clinic at the town of Davis. It has been requested to utilize space within Shop N’ Save to facilitate this community need. Communication between the parties is ongoing.
Ware met with the Friends of Blackwater where she discussed using photographs of old buildings throughout the town and placing signs to share the history with guests. It was requested that prior to any printing or installation, that the ideas be brought to the council for their approval.
Martin will be checking with the Department of Highways to question whether a piece of land beside Shop N’ Save and The Eagles Club could be used to install the Mon Forest Towns Initiative sign.
A proposal was made to purchase a new water billing software program that will not only benefit the town of Davis with their record keeping, it will offer other avenues for customers to track and pay their utility bills. Tomson made a motion to purchase the new software and to include the billing technical support for $1,000 and Robeson offered a second. All members voted in favor.
There were no correspondences therefore Tomson made a motion to pay the bills with Ware making a second. This concluded the business for the Town of Davis who will meet again on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Davis Town Hall.
