Schell City in the dark

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Lights for the softball field and security lights for City Hall and the fire station were the center of discussion at the Schell City Council meeting Wednesday evening.

“I’d like to bring it to y’alls attention I think we need to put some security lights up out front here.” Mayor David McCubbin said.

McCubbin said it is difficult to identify people on the security camera at night time.

The street light on the corner Main Street and Second Street was recently vandalized with rocks and the fire department’s walk-through door was also recently kicked in but nothing was taken from the fire department.

The council unanimously approved Alderman Broc Koshko’s motion to buy two motion-activated security lights — one for the front of city hall and one to be mounted on the fire station.

The council also discussed the state of the softball field and ongoing repairs. The NEVC volleyball team is planning a fundraiser at the field on August 5.

“The other major issue is the lighting and the electrical problems,” Lee said, explaining to the volleyball team that the field would be ready to use but the lights might not be ready for a night game.

Koshko said the field needed all new lights, the current lights date from the 1960s and are expensive to operate and replace.

In discussing how to fund the replacement of the lights and electrical system, Lee said Community Development Block Grants are not generally awarded for projects that create revenue, such as a ball field where people will pay to participate in leagues and tournaments.

“All we can do is look,” McCubbin said.

• Alderman Christy Goodman said she had been approached by several residents concerned about vehicles driving up on the sidewalk near the pop machine at the fire station.

Discussion of possible solutions followed and included adding signs, or barriers.

McCubbin said he wasn’t sure there were ordinances regarding vehicles on the sidewalk.

Alderman Eldon Craig said, “if there isn’t an ordinance and they’re driving on the sidewalk — motorized vehicles especially — there should be.”

“Yes, however,” McCubbin replied saying enforcement of the ordinance was another matter.

Alderwoman Vickey McKinney expressed concern that vehicles driving on the sidewalk may be a liability to the city.

The issue was tabled to allow further research.

• Fourth of July festivities were postponed due to the weather and will be held Saturday, July 8. Events will begin at 5 p.m.

• Clerk Lee reported the derelict vehicle issue has almost resolved itself. Two vehicles have been moved and the third will be repaired soon.

• McCubbin reported the concession stand at the ball field has been cleaned up.

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