Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner opened the regular July city council meeting, following the swimming pool public meeting, held at the Manila Airport Center. He discussed the work underway at the airport including the lighting and hangar projects. He talked to the council about looking into a grant for the terminal building located across from the Airport Community building.
"There are 90/10 and 80/20 grants available and if the council doesn't have any objections I will check to see if we can get a grant for work on the terminal building," Wagner said.
The council had no objections.
Mayor Wagner said there will be a need to have two special meetings to get the swimming pool project underway and on the ballot by October. An ordinance will need to be passed before the August meeting.
Mayor Wagner asked the council if anyone had any reservations about the pool.
The council agreed it is time to go forward with plans.
"We will need someone dependable to manage it," Councilman Jason Baltimore said. "We will have to decide if we need an indoor facility or just outside."
"We need to know where it is going to be," Councilman Donnie Wagner said. "People want to know. We have a lot to do and a lot to think about."
Fire Chief Keith Bennett informed the council the new fire truck has arrived. It should be in service within a week.
Chief Bennett commended the men in the department for the work they do.
"They give a lot of time and do a good job," he said.
In other business:
*The council agreed to allow Danna Deaton to use the community center at no charge for a fundraiser for the Butterfly House.
*The council discussed but took no action on trash cans for all households in Manila. Without the trash cans they discussed having residents remove the trash bins in front of houses.
*Mayor Wagner said Jim Cheadle spoke to him about putting a privacy fence between the city garage and the cemetery.
*Councilman Linda Donovan said the first senior day at the Airport Center was successful and Elmcroft will be coming the third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. for bingo and refreshments. She said Absolute Care will be holding a senior day on the fourth Tuesday. Councilman Baltimore said it was a great way to use the community building.
*Mayor Wagner said Police Sgt. Delbert Carter received a state award last month and he had received word the Manila Police Department received a state award. He expressed his congratulations to Chief Jackie Hill and his department and Chief Bennett and the fire department for the great work they do for the city.
*Mayor Wagner said Scottie Reinhart, manager of the park area for the youth program, turned in her report and the account has $11,600 after expenses were paid. This will all go back into the youth program.
*The board voted to give a variance if the neighbors on both sides give written approval to a house being built on Second Street.
*Mayor Wagner said the new garbage truck was in the shop being repaired and the city had to purchase four new tires for the old garbage truck. The workers have had to use a trailer to pick up trash. He said both trucks should be back in operation this week.