Ladies Auxiliary asks for Resolution to honor veterans

Sherry Bunch Pratt represented the Ladies Auxiliary with American Legion Post 197 in addressing the Manila City Council at the August meeting. Pratt returned to Manila after retiring from the Highway Department after 30 years.

Manila Councilmen Donnie Wagner and Linda Donovan look over swimming pool plans.

"It is good to be home," she said. "We are working to revitalize the Ladies Auxiliary and Post 197."

She spoke about the sacrifices veterans have made and how she would like the Ladies Auxiliary to support the post and recognized the veterans.

She requested the City Council pass a resolution on Nov. 10 in conjunction with Veterans Day. She said the auxiliary is planning activities for Saturday, Nov. 10.

"We can't thank our veterans enough," Councilman Dale Murphy said. "We should always let our military know how much we appreciate them."

Mayor Wayne Wagner said he and City Attorney Wes Wagner could prepare a Resolution and have it ready at the next meeting.

"I know the city council and city employees will support any recognition for the veterans," Mayor Wagner said.

A meeting was set up with Pratt, Donna Jackson, Linda Donovan and Mayor Wagner, along with Post Commander Grady Willmuth.

Councilman Jason Baltimore said they have been discussing organizing something for the Fourth of July and this "could be something we could all do."

"We need everyone to work together," Mayor Wagner said.

Willmuth spoke briefly on the mission of Post 197.

"We want to help our veterans," he said.

He also said programs are needed to help the area youth. Recently the Ladies Auxiliary organized a yard sale using the proceeds to help purchase school supplies.

Mayor Wagner announced the swimming pool bids will be opened at 2 p.m. Aug. 30. There will be a special called council meeting the following week on Sept. 4.

"I want David Hopkins and Will Anderson (engineers for the project) to be here for the meeting so we can get it going," Wagner said.

Mayor Wagner said hopefully the bids will come in allowing for the original plans.

"If they come in over, and we hope not, then we will have to meet and start to whittle, but we hope that doesn't happen," Mayor Wagner said.

In other business:

*Chief of Police Jackie Hill has been working with a company to purchase bullet proof vests for the officers. The estimated cost will be $5,000 for six vests. Mayor Wagner said the city will look at possible grants to help pay part of the cost.

*Mayor Wagner said the council will wait on the approval of hand-held meter readers until after Labor Day. The estimated cost for the new program will be between $4,000 and $5,000.

*Mayor Wagner said he would contact Mr. Brumley with Delta Asphalt to see when the street paving near the school can be done. The council had hoped to have it done before school started but it did not happen.

*Mayor Wagner announced there is a water leak on Boston Street and the water will have to be turned off at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will be off for three to five hours. The city will be under a boil order on Thursday and Friday. Water superintendent Henry Ford said it is recommended to boil the water for five minutes.

*Mayor Wagner said the school has requested the use of the park bleachers through the football season. Councilman Murphy said they will need to make sure the bleachers are left for the field the fall machine pitch baseball teams will use.

*A benefit for the Butterfly House will be held at the Community Center on Saturday.

*Mayor Wagner has been approached by a firm wanting to raze old water tank. He said it is the lowest bid he had heard, however, he was not anxious to have it taken down but thought he should inform the council of the price. Councilman Donnie Wagner said if it is not a safety hazard, he was not for taking it down. Mayor Wagner will check on a price just to paint the outside of the water tank.

*The board went into a short executive session and no action was taken.

*Mayor Wagner said he had received complaints about the walking track being dark. Councilman Tony Hawkins had talked to Lowes about donating lights to be placed on the concession stand that will come on from dark to dust.

*Councilman Wagner said he appreciated the city for sweeping and cleaning the main street.