Manila board discusses paving

Manila City Council discussed street paving and the purchase of a new police vehicle at a special called meeting Monday, Oct. 4.

Manila Mayor Wayne Wagner said he wanted to update the council and get their opinions on street paving.

"We have about $120,000 to $150,000 of the bond money to use," Mayor Wagner said.

Mayor Wagner gave several options including widening Olympia Street.

"There is a bad spot past the school," Mayor Wagner said. "This will take about 270' of paving. My recommendation is when we widen the street to overlay all of the street to West County Road 278."

Some of the other suggestions included North Davis Street north of the nursing home; North Baltimore Street, in front of the Church of Christ (133' from curb to curb); start on Olympia go south on Boston just past First Street, (1,200'); Olympia Street Extended; Ellis Circle to County Road 294; off Highway 18 to the new Behavior Center about 200'; finish the end of Reinhart Lane; and the cul-de-sac behind the old post office.

Mayor Wagner said in the spring they might look at paving Olympia Street from the 4-way stop sign near the post office all the way past the school; Caraway Road to Farmers Lane to Fleeman Street. The Nunnally Addition and Davis Addition may be ready by spring. Mayor Wagner also said the street to Big Lake Country Club needs works, but first the pine trees will have to be taken down.

"If any of you (council members) have any suggestions for paving, please let me know," Mayor Wagner said.

Councilman Jason Baltimore said there are some bad places on North Boston and Roy Lee back to Benton is bad. Councilman Steven Milligan suggested looking at Kaylee Street and the east end of Marie, along with Lyndsy Street and Tyler Street.

Mayor Wagner said they will look at the areas and see if it can be done within the budget.

Councilman Donnie Wagner asked Mayor Wagner to check with the highway department about a sign off the new Highway 18 turning back into Manila.

"It is hard to see where to turn off," Councilman Wagner said. "There needs to be a sign."

Councilman Wendell Poteet said a new map is needed with the wards being drawn out.

Council members agreed there is growth in every ward.

Mayor Wagner informed the council work is underway for a fence at the Herman Davis Park and should be done before the Veteran's Day ceremony. About the same time, there should be a dedication ceremony for the highway at Big Lake.

He also announced Cross County Bank, the parent company of Manila's First Commercial Bank, has purchased Arvest Bank in Manila.

Following a discussion, the council voted unanimously (6-0) to purchase a new Dodge pick-up for the police department. They will trade in the 2012 pick-up. Mayor Wagner thanked the council for their fast action saying the order has to be placed by Oct. 15.