Florence City Council discusses buildings
By SUSAN MARSHALL
Gazette-Bulletin Editor
Florence Mayor Greg Winn called a special meeting of Florence City Council this past week. With October being a five-Monday month, the city had not met since Oct. 15 and is not scheduled to have another meeting until Monday.
Issues with the former school buildings, a decision on a pool cover, and a personnel matter related to the fire department all needed immediate attention and Winn convened the group Oct. 25.
Marion County Planning and Zoning officer Bobbie Strait had contacted the city about the former school buildings between Seventh and Eighth streets being an attractive nuisance. Access was available to the building interiors through damaged and broken windows and doors. The buildings are owned by an out-of-state party and have long been a source of aggravation and concern in the Florence community.
After being contacted by the county, Florence City Council instructed city superintendent Phil Baldwin to purchase necessary supplies and make certain the buildings were secure.
At the special meeting the council was in receipt of a more recent letter from Marion County Special Education Cooperative board members expressing concern about the possibility of students gaining access to the buildings in question. Prior to the meeting Winn sent Baldwin to re-check the repairs. Baldwin reported the buildings were still secure.
After discussion of pool cover bids by Chem Quest, Little Richard, and Ultra Modern Pool, the council voted to accept the low bid of $2,854 (including hardware and installation) by Little Richard. It was noted the delivery date would be a week to a week and a half from the order date.
Under the heading "Fire Department" on the meeting agenda, Trayce Warner made a motion to go into executive session for the discussion of personnel matters and return to open session in 15 minutes. Dan Ludwig seconded the motion. After returning to open meeting the council announced that no action would be taken.
