Riverside students from Matt Zeigler's civic class addressed the Lake City Council on Tuesday, Nov. 18, requesting consideration to making the city parks tobacco free areas.
Students Austin Carter, Sydney Adams, Michael Casey and Bryan Poe each spoke and presented evidence of the need to make the parks tobacco free. During their presentation the students said they had picked up 1,000 cigarette butts, beer cans, and a spit cup from the park. They discussed the potential fire hazard a lit cigarette butt can cause when tossed on dry ground.
Amy Widener with St. Bernard's complimented the students for doing an outstanding job with their research.
Mr. Zeigler then asked council to consider the evidence the students presented to adopt an ordinance that would make all city parks in Lake City tobacco free.
A motion was made by Alderman Danny Dunigan and seconded by Alderman Jeffery Wisham that an ordinance be adopted at the next meeting with an emergency clause to make all city parks in the city tobacco free. Motion was passed unanimously by all members present.
Mike Burnside addressed the council asking for more time on the property located on Nash Street. He has been notified on condemnation. Mr. Burnside said he would like more time to add additions on to the existing property. He said he will not be doing anything until February due to the weather.
After a brief discussion a motion was made by Alderman Dunigan and seconded by Alderman Brenda Hutcheson to send the matter back to the planning and zoning committee for a recommendation at the next meeting to either continue with construction or to condemn the property. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15. The motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk Linda Simpson read the second reading of Ordinance No. 270-14, amending Ordinance 227-07 providing for regulations of portable metal storage buildings and providing for a penalty. This ordinance amends the ordinance back to its original state while adding the cost of the permit and allowing more description to the fine. The second reading was approved unanimously.
Ordinance No. 271-14 was accepted and approved. The ordinance provides minimum energy standards for the design of new building and structures or portions and additions to existing buildings that provide facilities or shelter for public assembly, education business, mercantile, institutional, storage, and residential occupancies designed primarily for human occupancy by regulating their exterior envelopes and the election of their HVAC, service water heating, electrical distribution and illuminating systems and equipment for effective use of energy.
Mayor Jon Milligan announced the Christmas light judging will be Dec. 20 with the prizes set at $100 for first; $75 for second; and $50 for third. The City Christmas parade will be 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. The employee Christmas dinner will be Dec. 16.