Staff writer
A new sign to advertise community events appeared in the intersection of Second and Walnut streets this past weekend.
It was donated by Sorosis Beta Club and will take the place of a barrel-based metal sign holder that has occupied the intersection for several decades.
Peabody Chamber of Commerce members built the older sign holder and maintained it until the group disbanded in the late 1990s.
City Council members discussed having a sign to advertise community events, fundraisers, special occasions, and public announcements.
A 1999 ordinance indicated the sign was not to be used for businesses.
Additional discussion revolved around use of the sign by Doyle Valley Farmers Market and other groups that may not have a not-for-profit designation but are making money with an event or service such as a church soup supper or student car wash.
Council members agreed to approve a new ordinance as written with the caveat that use of the sign will “exclude commercial businesses.” The changes were unanimously approved.
John and Cora Bloomer were present to request that a homemade horseless carriage be included as an alternative transportation vehicle under the city’s new guidelines for such vehicles.
After discussion, Police Chief Bruce Burke agreed to bring the council a written recommendation July 13 about horseless carriages. The council will make a decision at that time.
In other business:
- A $75 donation for July 4 parade prizes was approved.
- A request by Rex Watson to barricade East First Street from Walnut to Sycamore from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4 for the car show at Santa Fe Park was approved. The south end of the alley between Walnut and Sycamore also will be barricaded.
- Councilman Woodruff requested a review of the city’s ordinance regarding tree branches obstructing signs and intersections and hanging over streets and sidewalks impeding traffic. After discussion, the council directed Health and Safety officer Tammy Whiteside to send letters to property owners about trimming overgrown limbs and branches.
- Whiteside reviewed the nuisance property list. Council members agreed to have city crews clean up the properties at 907 and 909 North Vine Street and bill the homeowners for the work. Whiteside is to seek bids to clean up the property at 803 North Chestnut Street. Action on other properties was tabled pending additional information.
- During a report from Public Works Director Darren Pickens, the council learned that a new grinder pump had been ordered for the sewer lift station.
- Pickens was directed to get additional cost estimates for the Fifth Street bridge repair and for coordinated repairs with the county road and bridge crew, which will assist with the project.
- City Administrator Mac Manning reported there had been no response to his attempt to reach a settlement with Union Pacific Railroad for damages done to Plum Street during railroad repairs in 2008. Manning also had not been able to contact former City Engineer Al Reiss to obtain the as-built plans for the new sewer plant.
- After a closed session with Burke for the purpose of discussing personnel, council members returned to open session but took no action.
- Council members entered a second closed session to discuss personnel and to perform a 60-day review of Manning. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
- A budget workshop will be at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday in the city building.