City resident John Deitz pitched his plans for Herd avenue at Huntington City Council’s work session Friday. Two main concerns about Deitz’s project were who was going to pay for the construction and long maintenance of the road, and whether it would include an official name change.
“We are not asking the city for any money, nor are we asking the state for any money,” said Deitz. However, when asked by council member Mary Neely if the city would be responsible for the street Deitz replied “we hope it will be fully private.”
Business owner Norman Glaser, owner of the street’s oldest business, said he was for the idea but didn’t want the city to change the name of the street. He said it would be too costly for businesses along 3rd avenue to make the administrative and mailing change.
The 2nd reading of the ordinance authorizing police and fire personnel to drive their vehicles home from work has been changed to a 1st reading on Monday’s agenda. Also, councilman Tom McCallister said he may try to amend ordinance. The amendment would require officers to pay $.35 a mile if they do not go out on call during the evening.
The 1st reading of ordinances to purchase police cruisers and dump trucks will be discussed Monday. Council chairman Cal Kent wondered from where the money for the puchases would come. McCallister reminded Kent that the new service fee must be spent on police service and the street department.
Director of Administration and Finance Jack Thornburgh told council the Cabell County school board wants to hire and pay the salary of one police officer for the school year. Thornburgh said the board would pay for 9 months salary and benefits, and he hoped the city would be able to retain the officer through the summer to help fill vacation slots.
A resolution authorizing the mayor to advertise for bids to sell the City Hall Annex was withdrawn by councilman Jim Insco. No appraisal has been done, and Neely pointed out that council has several times asked mayor David Felinton for an appraisal for the building, but so far he has not responded to the request.
Council will vote on a resolution to allow the mayor to solicit bids for the privatization of the city refuse collection. Kent said that this idea has been hanging around for a while now, “and it’s time to put this issue to rest one way or another.”
Councilman Charlie Thompson said that BFI indicated that they could do the refuse collection for $8-9 per household.
Council will vote on a resolution to revise the 2002-2003 budget. This involves moving $173, 710 from the $900,000 side of the 2001-2002 budget deficit line to the contingency fund.