| SF’s infrastructure focus of 2009 plans |
By: Chris Menees Messenger Staff Reporter
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Posted: Tuesday, January 6, 2009 9:11 pm
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| By CHRIS MENEES Messenger Staff Reporter Work begun in 2008 on South Fulton’s infrastructure will continue well into 2009. That’s because last year ended with South Fulton Mayor David Crocker urging the community’s cooperation in completing surveys required for application for a Community Development Block Grant for sewer and water improvements. “The main thing we’re looking at (in 2009) is working on our infrastructure, trying to get a Community Development Block Grant,” Crocker said. “We’re trying to get the word out this month, trying to get surveys done and completed and to the grant people before the February cut-off. That’s the main thing right now.” The City of South Fulton is currently proceeding with plans to apply for a grant that could provide some sewer system relief. A required public hearing to start the process was held prior to the South Fulton City Commission’s December session, where Lynn Madding of Community Development Partners emphasized that certain demographic information must be provided in order for South Fulton to apply for grant funding. Applications for the grant are due by Feb. 25 — which is where the community’s help and cooperation are currently needed. Last month, Ms. Manning explained that South Fulton residents may receive a survey which is vital to the application process. She said a certain percentage of residents who receive service must be surveyed, adding that the main concern is income in order to show a need in the community. Crocker said the city will be applying for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for its sewer and water infrastructure. He said South Fulton city manager Jeff Vowell has already done a considerable amount of preparation work and paperwork associated with the application process. In reflecting on the past year, Crocker said hiring Vowell as city manager was definitely one of the highlights. Vowell was hired in December 2007 and last year marked his first full year on the job. “Jeff has worked out real well. He’s definitely one of our assets, as far as I’m concerned,” Crocker said. There were also other changes in leadership last year on the South Fulton City Commission. In February, city commissioner and vice mayor William “R.K.” Kane resigned from his position when he moved outside the city limits. In March, the commission appointed Keith Curlin to fill out the remainder of Kane’s term. The city election in November marked the first time in many years that South Fulton voters had the opportunity to elect a mayor at large — with Crocker, the sole candidate, elected to the position. Curlin was elected to a commission seat and then subsequently chosen as vice mayor by his peers on the panel. The commission also appointed Tony Perry to fill a vacancy on the commission created by Crocker’s election as mayor. The other members of the commission currently include Charles Moody and Thomas Pettigrew. Crocker said a major accomplishment for city officials and the entire community in 2008 was the reopening of the bridge on Forrestdale Avenue in South Fulton. He said initial estimates were close to $300,000 for redoing the bridge, but Vowell worked with Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire and the Obion County Highway Department for the labor and the repairs were completed for less than $20,000. “It’s already been inspected and passed and reopened. That’d be the highlight of last year,” Crocker said. Vowell also recalled several highlights from the past year, including the city’s police and fire departments receiving some grant funding to help with operations; the restructuring of City Hall operations, redefining of some roles and appointment of a utility manager; implementing a budget billing program for utility bills; working on the city’s water plant and replacing an aerator; completing annexation and pending litigation associated with the action; renegotiating a five-year extension on a lease with Ferry-Morse on city-owned warehouse space in the industrial park; and converting the old band building at the old high school, which is owned by the city, into warehouse space that has been rented to a local business owner. During 2009, Crocker said the city will be utilizing inmate labor at no cost to the city, other than transporting and feeding the inmates, in an effort to clean up the community. He said city officials have already begun working with Obion County Sheriff Jerry Vastbinder to do so and inmate labor is being utilized a couple days a week. “We hope for a good year,” Crocker added. On a larger scale, Vowell said he is continuing to work to establish some routine procedures for city operations and put some organization into place. He said in the coming year, he hopes to improve city operations, become more efficient and find ways to save money during tough economic times while still maintaining a high level of service to citizens. Vowell said he would like to see some ongoing projects completed — including the application process for the Community Development Block Grant — in 2009 as the city continues to work on its infrastructure. He said nothing would make him happier than to be able to lower citizens’ utility rates. “I’d like to get a couple of projects done, get the grant done and applied for and, hopefully, keep getting stronger,” he said. Staff Reporter Chris Menees may be contacted by e-mail at cmenees@ucmessenger.com. Published in The Messenger 1.6.09 |
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