By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
All members were present except Al Tomson at the February 26 gathering of the Davis Town Council. Mayor Doug Martin called the meeting to order followed by The Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes from February 12 were reviewed with Councilman John Felton making a motion to approve as presented with a second by Councilwoman Cindy Robeson.
Council dismissed from regular session to hear from audience and guests wishing to speak. Savannah Hull Wilkins told the council that the neighborhood watch meeting was held last week with an appearance by Sheriff B.K. Wilfong and Chief Deputy M.J. Sigley. “There wasn’t a ton of people but I feel like it was productive,” she said. With April being Child Abuse Awareness Month, Wilkins is working with the Family Resource Network to hold a presentation on recognizing and reporting child abuse. Notices of the event will be placed for those wishing to attend.
Jeanette Ware with the Davis Renaissance Group addressed the council with a desire to contribute $2,000 towards new Christmas lights for the town. The group discussed the idea and decided that even with a small bank account of approximately $2,700, this was a project they wanted to assist with if the town would cover the remaining balance. Ware found a company that was running a special where if two units were purchased, a third would be free. “We just really want to make downtown look really nice,” stated Ware. The designs would be a combination of snowflakes, bells, and bows, and in the spirit of ski season, the snowflakes could remain up throughout the season. The lights are LED and range in size from four feet to over seven feet. To stay with the towns theme, it was decided to go with a warm, soft color. Joni Felton reached out to the company and Ware informed the council that, “Instead of getting 16 for $8,000, we can get 16 for $6,900.” Mayor Martin felt that since the lights will be lining the business district of Davis that the town tax should be utilized for this project. “That’s what it’s there for to beautify the town,” said Martin. The deadline to receive the discount fee the order has to be placed, so a vote will be taken during regular session.
Once back in session, Felton made a motion to accept the $2,000 from the Renaissance Group and pay the remaining $4,903 to purchase 16 new pole lights and Councilman Terry Helmick made a second. All council was in agreement therefore motion passed.
Committee reports began with accounts payable reviewed by the council. Helmick also provided a list of jobs completed and ongoing pertaining to streets, alleys, and water works. Recorder Andy Snyder stated that five applicants will be interviewed at 5 p.m. on Friday for the water clerk position. There were no reports from the ordinance and resolution committee, cemetery committee, or parks and recreation committee.
Old business began with an executive session to go over personnel. Upon returning, Martin stated that no decisions were made. There was also no new business to discuss.
Under correspondences, the town of Davis received a request from the Highland Artisans Group to sponsor an award for a student art shown known as START. Robeson made a motion to sponsor this event in the amount of $175 with a second by Felton.
Helmick made a motion to pay the bills as presented with a second from Councilwoman Lisa Cousin. This concluded the business for the town of Davis leading to meeting adjournment. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Davis Town Hall. Public attendance is welcome and encouraged.
