The Council approved policy changes recommended by the Parsons City Cemetery Committee. Effective immediately all existing plots will be sold for $400, outer enclosures or vaults are required, and adjoining lots must be sold together. If an available plot does not have any available adjoining plots, it may be sold individually.
A new Department of Highways sign will hang under the “Parsons” sign as motorists drive into town. The sign commemorates Pickin’ in Parsons winning the International Bluegrass Music Association Event of the Year award.
The Council approved an invoice payment of $25,001.76. A motion was approved to purchase a steel dump bed from Amazon for the new Parks and Recreation Commission truck for $3,307.83.
The Council approved a purchase of storm drains for installation on Price Street to “prevent future property losses,” City Administrator Jason Myers said. The storm drains will be installed in the spring of 2018.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund awarded the City of Parsons a grant for $200,000 worth of improvements for the Parsons Splash Park. A 50 percent match from the city is required, totaling $100,000. The funds will be used to construct a parking lot as well as other improvements in Mill Race Park.
Kevin White presented the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department’s plan to purchase a programmable LED sign. The department plans to install the sign in front of the fire hall in between Rt. 72 and Main Street. White views the sign as an opportunity to “communicate with people driving through town.” He asked the council to consider partnering with the department to purchase the sign for approximately $20,000.
Danielle Bible was hired as the new Assistant City Administrator/Finance Director as Carol Hebb reduces her hours at the City Business Office.
Work for the Pulp Mill Bottom elevation project will begin in January. The plan is to raise two houses on Davis St.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
