Engraved brick fundraiser to provide funds for SF events

South Fulton city officials approved an engraved brick fundraiser, as well as an annual budget for the Parks and Rec board, following a presentation by Parks Director David McDaniel, during regular commission session Aug. 16.

Mayor David Lamb, Commissioners Tommy Pruitt, Billy Williams, Beatrice Wilcox and Terry Taylor gave McDaniel and the Parks and Rec board the go-head to begin the sale of engraved bricks for placement in an area of Unity Park which could eventually include benches, a pergola and a sign.

McDaniel proposed, following his recommendation to the Parks Board, and their endorsement, that the pavers be sold for $40 each or three for $100, with individuals, groups, churches or civic organizations and the public provided the opportunity to buy them, with three lines of engraving. He proposed the city may be able to provide some of the labor on the project, with approximately $3,600 needed to begin the project. All funds generated through the sale, McDaniel said, would be returned to the city’s general fund, in hopes of offering financing for future community events.

McDaniel was given approval to secure a budget for the Parks and Rec Board, to facilitate three yearly events, including the Community Easter Egg Hunt, the Trunk or Treat event in October and a Christmas season event and decorations, all total $5,000 budgeted.

City Manager Jeff Gabbert said presently there is no budget for the Parks and Rec Board, as nothing was submitted by that body for the city budget.

Commissioner Williams noted that previously, since the formation of the Parks and Rec Board, that body had not been informed of the need to submit a budget, which would explain why none had been presented previously.

In regard to old business, City Attorney Kirk Moore updated the commission on the Fire Department Mutual Aid Agreement, between the South Fulton Fire Department and the Fulton Fire Department. He said he had been in communication with Fulton City Attorney Allison Whitledge, and the two of them had reviewed the proposed document, which requires approval at the state level in Kentucky now.

Commissioner Taylor questioned whether any progress had been made toward securing estimates of placing a portion of sidewalk from the area of Unity Park, to the four way stop, allowing for easier access to businesses in the area.

Mayor Lamb said that there was a question as to the proposed location of the sidewalk and whether it would actually be located in Tennessee or Kentucky, as when previous businesses were located in that area, the sidewalks were actually in Kentucky, however the businesses were in Tennessee. He said further research will be conducted regarding the sidewalk location.

City Manager Gabbert reported a meeting will take place for city employees to consider returning to the Tennessee Retirement System, which could potentially make the city more competitive in retaining employees. Existing employees could opt for the new retirement system, on a voluntary basis, with new hires required to participate in the system. The meeting is scheduled for Aug. 30, Gabbert said, to gauge employee interest.

Gabbert shared information with the Mayor and Commissioners regarding research into cash management and how the city spends money, as well as the amount of money the city has been able to maintain in the bank, offering a suggesting to research methods by which the funds could experience more growth through investment. He proposed the formation of a draft investment policy for the officials’ review in the near future, to “make the money work” for the city.

The city’s budget, Gabbert said, has been sent to Nashville, with the 2017 city audit expected to be completed and provided to the city Sept. 18. At that time, he noted, the city will be “caught up with the Comptroller’s Office.”

Code Enforcement Officer Nicole Berner was appointed the city’s Health and Sanitation Official, enabling her to align with designations included in city ordinances and regulations, which reference duties for the Code Enforcement Officer as well as the Health and Sanitation Official. Primarily, according to Gabbert, the Health and Sanitation title is in alignment to duties in regard to slum abatement.

While the officials were informed they would be prohibited from waiving the property taxes for property in the city at 804 Tennessee St. by the city attorney, the commission approved the payment of the taxes on the property, which is adjacent to the city’s water station, to provide for the opportunity for expansion, in the future if necessary, of the station.

Eddie Cassetty was approved to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board, to replace board member Kevin Burden, who resigned from his position on the board.

Prior to the commencement of the city’s business, Mayor Lamb requested continued prayers for the family of the late Barbie Hardy. He commended Hardy’s diligence in serving the community of South Fulton, and her work in coordinating the annual Country Music Festival held each Spring in Unity Park.