Mayor Dancy congratulates Doug Grondahl
The Ruthfordton Town Council was called to order at 5:30 pm on August 1, 2012. Ms. Christy Bare was absent. Today was the first day the Town’s West First and Central Street parking lot was limited to two hour parking after discussions between merchants, county employers, and council members.
Doug Grondahl was recognized as the volunteer of the month with his many contributions to Rutherford Town Revitalization (RTR) and in particular for his hard work in coordinating the Fourth of July celebration. Doug is co-owner of Legal Grounds restaurant and serves as President of the RTR Board.
During public comments, Dan Hegeman, proprietor of the Carrier Houses Bed & Breakfast, commended the town for the careful consideration for the 4th of the July celebration. He expressed his thanks for the timeliness of the event, the clean up efforts, and that his guests enjoyed the celebration as well.
Stan Clements commended the fire and police departments for the prompt response to a wreck in his front yard at 1:30 am. ” Job well done.”
Mayor Jimmy Dancy reminded everyone of Relay for Life sponsorship of the Aug. 21 Dinner at Florence Baptist Church in Forest City for cancer survivors. Any survivor who has not yet received an invitation should contact the American Cancer Society.
Frankie McWhorter announced that St. Johns Church will be celebrating its 130th birthday in September.
After a small correction, the minutes were approved.
Questions for dept. leaders
Terry Cobb inquired if under the budget line item for confidential funds it could be used to offer a reward. Town manager, Karen Andrews say that prior uses were for informants , it could be looked at. Cobb reported multiple reports of vandalized mail boxes and felt an award of $100 may entice tips.
Committee Reports
Terry Cobb offered thanks to the Public Works Staff and Keith Ward for the extra efforts at Crestview Park for the Little League tournaments.
Rutherfordton, NC 225th Anniversary Seal
Frankie McWhorter of the 225th Anniversary celebration reminded the group of two events- A digital history of education and on Aug. 26 the hospital overs the history of healthcare with a walking tour of Luke Chapel. Plans are also in the works for a big premiere of the Bechtler Mint on Sept. 29th Sat. 7 pm. McWhorter was “astounded at the number of people it has engaged and that so many people have been so enthusiastic. The committee is still within the budget.
David Covington, President of the Rutherfordton Golf Club offered an update on the course – thegrounds are in great shape for this time of the yard with a few green spots from not having enough water The club has a couple of new members as well as new junior players taking advantage of a summer membership.
Karen Andrews discussed RTR’s plan to show movies in Kiwanis Park as future family events. The council granted permission for a movie trial date for the last Sunday of the month. While they are not going to advertise it, the public is of course welcome. RTR will contact the doctors near the park about using their parking lot.
Henry Giles asked the town attorney David Lloyd regarding the memo of recommended level of insurance for the golf course. The club has $1 Million policy per David Covington. The issue of worker’s compensation will be clarified between both parties and return a suggestion on Sept. agenda.
The closure of streets for the Aug. 17 STEP kickoff picnic was approved. The festivities will be held on the courthouse lawn and will include in the nearby area kid activities, cornhole tournament, icee truck, and other fun activities.
Council recommended finding a way to keep kids out of the courthouse lawn tree.
The meeting was adjourned.
Once again, a resounding “Thank You” for your converage of the 225th Anniversary and the Town of Rutherfordton.