The Dublin City Council approved grant-related projects, requests from department heads and amended policy during the regular meeting Monday, March 11.
Among the grant matters was a request from City Manager Bobby Mendez to move forward with a fitness court project.
The construction is part of a national fitness campaign for adults with Blue Cross Blue Shield approving $50,000 towards the construction of highquality equipment. Mendez reported the next step will be to find local sponsors of the remainder of the $146,000 cost. It’s possible this cost will go down if the concrete work is less than projected.
Council members inquired about the placement of the equipment with Mendez stating a preference to install it at the Library for a central location.
Council members unanimously approved letting Mendez move ahead with seeking sponsorships understanding no financial commitment at the time of the vote.
Mendez also requested funds not to exceed $60,000 to extend sewer line replacement work on Henry Street. He reported there was roughly $300,000 left of the Certificate of Obligation accepted for sewer work and said the extra funding would allow for full replacement of the outdated and aging clay line on the street.
Council members approved the amount from the city’s available ARPA funds.
Dublin EMS director John Tadlockwasalsounanimously granted ARPA funds for the leveling and epoxy sealing of the apparatus bay floor, which used to have a pit.
Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray requested council to deem the old records storage building as zero value so it could be donated to Double N Cowboy Church. Ray said his officers have made good use of the church’s shooting range for practice and training and found out the church could use the building for equipment. He suggested letting them have it In exchange for using the range. Council members unanimously approved the request.
Council members also unanimously approved the EDC to pay $20,000 to the city of Dublin to assist with the recent replacement of sidewalks in the 100 and 200 blocks of Blackjack. EDC executive director Penny CoronaandDublinHistorical Society President Ben Pate spoke in support of the work and partnership.
“I’m so proud of our town to be able to do something like that for our citizens,” said Pate.
Chamber of Commerce President Blanca Martineau was joined by directors in requesting the closure of the block of Elm and Grafton for a car show on Saturday, March 16 for St. Patrick’s Day. The block will be closed right after the exit for emergency personnel on Grafton. Council members unanimously accepted the request.
The council also unanimously approved the first reading of amending the city code inspection fee where people seeking electricity, plumbing, building from the ground up and remodels are responsible for the Bureau Veritas fee plus 10 percent for inspection.
Council also unanimously approved amending the building codes to update them to 2018 guidelines except electricity which will be updated to 2020 guidelines. Mendez reported that codes were previously operating at guidelines from four different years which made work difficult for Bureau Veritas.
AirportManagerNathaniel Minor presented a proposed airport policy for pilots and hangar owners which was informed by policies in neighboring cities. Council unanimously approved the document.
Council members also approved accepting the resignation of Mac McKinnon as appraisal district representative and accepting Vicky Stone to the position as well as the sale of the alley way (at 90 center per square foot) across from the Memorial Stadium between Post Oak and Camden. Council member Darren Turley abstained from both votes since he is related to Stone and lives in the block of Post Oak.