Blue Ridge City Council held its regular meeting on April 11th 2017.

First up on the action items which required approval of the Council began with talk of a budget to do some major upgrades to city streets, city park, downtown gazebo and more.  Rodney Kendall made a motion which carried, to have Council Member Angie Arp discuss the project.

Arp said at the last meeting she had presented a list she thought should be completed for the betterment of the community.  She expressed after speaking with other council members she then worked with Alicia (Finance Director Alicia Stewart) to put together a budget.

She also stated she had revised the list to reflect what she understood other council members wanted done with the money the council “specifically saved” to do these projects.  It appeared Council Member Rhonda Thomas felt the City should spend money on necessary items such as, parking issues, sidewalk issues, flooding issues, and a broken backhoe.

The vote for was Angie Arp, Bruce Pack and Rodney Kendall and against was Rhonda Thomas with Harold Herndon abstaining stating he was torn and he believed there was more pressing items around town. Arp then made a motion which carried to approve an $829,000 budget.

The council ultimately voted  to allow Arp to move forward with the projected budget by obtaining quotes for the various items listed.

The council approved an estimate of $25,440 for 12 park benches and trash cans to be placed at the park and downtown.  Also approved $25,617.74 for security cameras for the water plant.

The meeting moved into discussion on security cameras and water purchase agreements.  The Council moved and approved on turning over the water to Fannin County Water Authority.  This is the first step for allowing water issues to be handled outside of the authority of the City. A motion carried to allow Carter & Sloope to further the contract for a pump station at Trackside Lane.

The council agreed to release the contract on a forest service lane due to a lack of money,  stating perhaps the County would move forward on the property since it would be a great place for a convention center. Moving along saw approval of Gates (wooden) at Roberts Way & Depot street.

Purchasing approval was made on a Carter & Sloope invoice for $9,060.44.  Purchases for fire hydrant locks and repair of Calliope were put on hold.  The City is hoping if anyone knows about repair of the Calliope (player piano) to please come forward.  It is on the back of a fire truck which is used in parades.

Discussion items only were regarding adding lighting to Roberts Way and also the park, burn permits, City park, and project list.

Public comments were made by Cesar Martinez and Nicole Potzoff.  Executive session was held to discuss hiring personnel for the City Park.