Council considers handicapped accessible playground

Clarion Top News

Wednesday, 16 August 2023 09:23

The Scottsboro City Council recently heard a request from Donna Barkley, representing the Impact Learning Center, regarding the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Barkley stated that this project has been ongoing for about 10 months. Since that time, they have distributed over 5,600 books in Scottsboro alone. There are currently 632 children registered for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the city, 78 percent of those eligible. Over 13,000 books have been distributed county wide. Barkley stated that Dolly’s studies show that the children who utilize the program score eight points higher than those not in the program. Barkley requested funding in the amount of $10,000 to continue the program.

Katie Kirkland discussed the Airport Marine High School fishing tournament. Kirkland stated that the tournament has been hosted the past two years and that this tournament would be held on January 27, 2024. The tournament is requesting funding in the amount of $2,000.

Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy spoke regarding the aerial photography partnership with the Jackson County Commission. McCamy stated that the cost would be $10,000 each year for the next three years.

Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Wood spoke regarding three playground proposals. Wood stated that this project has been ongoing with several changes taking place since the beginning. Wood explained that the playground cost is sitting at about $140,000 minus any inclusive pieces. Revisions have been requested for each bidder to add ramps and wheelchair accessible equipment. Wood requested that no decision be made at this point until the bidders have submitted their proposals to add handicap equipment.

Council member Mike Ashburn stated that he handed out information from Landscape Structures regarding a handicap accessible swing. Ashburn also stated that if a handicap mat is used, it would be too expensive and would almost double the price of the project. He stated that fabric with chipping material could be laid alternatively. He stated that wood chips would be much cheaper to lay. Gametime has stated that they will match one half of the main structure of the project. Council member Nita Tolliver stated, “My main thing is taking care of our handicapped students too. That’s my main concern.”

Wood stated that fully inclusive equipment will be more costly. Ashburn stated that if the equipment doesn’t fit into the numbers right now, they can make sure there is space for the equipment in the future.

Council member Pudge Bailey stated, “This is what we’re looking at, this is going to have to be bid.” He further stated, “It would be nice to decide what pieces we want out there and get the bid out there. We all want at least one piece that a chair can go into completely.”

Bailey then discussed the bid for the HVAC units for the Parks and Recreation Center. Bailey announced that the second unit previously bid on was damaged in transit so the bid will be rejected and rebid.

Dirt work at Veterans Park was discussed by Wood. Wood requested funding in the amount of $11,310 for dirt to raise infields by two inches. Wood explained that this would make the fields safer and bring them to the appropriate height.

Jackson County Sheriff Rocky Harnen spoke regarding the Fallen Officer’s Memorial. Harnen stated that although he is not asking for funding, he is requesting a letter of support regarding the project.

Scottsboro Police Chief Ron Latimer requested to surplus Police Department property. Latimer requested that five Dodge Chargers, a 2008 Ford Expedition and a 2004 Crown Victoria be deemed surplus and that he be authorized to sell on gov.deals. Latimer stated that these vehicles have more than served their purpose and are expensive to maintain.

Finance Director Rick Wheeler requested a contract with AVENU for the collection of short-term rental tax be approved. Wheeler stated that AVENU currently collects the sales tax in the city and requested that they also be authorized to collect the short-term rental tax owed to the City of Scottsboro.

A resolution to approve Columbus Day as an additional holiday for city employees was discussed. Columbus Day has been approved as a one-time holiday for three to four years.

 

by Heather Dohring