By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
A quorum was still present at the Davis Town Council Meeting, where Councilwomen Cindy Robeson and Lisa Cousin were absent.
Emmie Carnell, Watershed Project Director with Friends of Blackwater, was present to request the town council members to vote for and sign a letter of support for a Department of Transportation grant. “This was a pilot project that Friends of Blackwater was granted $818,000 this summer to design and construct, adding onto and improving State Park and Mon Forest Trails,” Carnell stated. She presented a map to the council that outlined the highlights of the trail and goals for the funds.
The AmeriCorp Vista was also present at the meeting who spoke about the signage that will be placed in Davis Park. The signs share the timber industry history of the area and the role it played. The maps and signs are still in the final editing stages and production should commence soon. Councilman Al Tomson made a motion to offer the letter of support to the Friends of Blackwater with Recorder Andy Snyder making a second and all in favor.
Minutes from August 26 were approved with a motion from Tomson and a second by Councilman John Felton. The accounts payable were reviewed before Councilman Terry Helmick provided a list of completed alleys, streets, and water work projects.
Mayor Doug Martin and council briefly discussed personnel relating to an employee who returns to the doctor soon for hopeful release. Martin is also working on an ordinance that he is proposing be passed that will require anyone wishing to be buried within the Davis Cemetery to be done so in a casket and, at minimum, a liner. “This is the only cemetery I know that doesn’t have regulations like that,” Martin said. Jordan Fenner, owner of Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home, will be assisting in the development of the ordinance. Also within the business of the cemetery, Jeff Simmons is set to work with Martin on resetting stones.
A building permit was presented to the council for a prefabricated shed installation request on Fairfax Avenue. A motion was made to approve the permit by Helmick with a second by Felton and all in agreement.
An individual has also expressed interest in a new business adventure to include four air bed and breakfasts. Martin will be meeting with him and will be having him added to the meeting agenda to present to the council his future plans. Snyder stated that the Snow Sports Museum signed a lease earlier that day to take up residency in the former bike shop. They too will be added to the agenda to share their goals.
Issues have arisen with the lift pumps at the pump stations. A preventative maintenance plan has been developed that offers a list of items to check on these units which will cost less than $2,000 per year for both pump stations. According to Martin, no preventative maintenance currently takes place and no action is taken until issues occur. Council unanimously agreed to move forward with the quote and to implement the preventative maintenance program.
Martin then read a request from the Daughters of the American Revolution to proclaim September 17 through the 23 to commemorate Constitution Week. Davis Council participates in this recognition on an annual basis. A motion was made to pay the bills and the meeting was adjourned.
The Davis Town Council will return to business on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. Masks are required to attend the meeting.
