Council Meeting

The City Council met on Tuesday, turning its focus in the direction of old business regarding dilapidated properties within the city.

The council discussed the subject of three buildings located on Frisco Street that are dilapidated and falling down. According to the city clerk, although the taxes have been paid on the properties, they are in such bad shape they have become uninhabitable.

Walls and ceilings were described as "caving in and collapsing." The city has begun the process to condemn the buildings. Notices have been posted and the owners have been notified. The city has been waiting for their response. So far, no word on what the property owners plan to do to resolve the issues. The city will send out one more notice, according to city leaders.

This provides the owner 21 days to tear down the buildings. If the owner does not comply during that time frame, the city can then step in and tear the buildings down and put a lien on the property. By the next board meeting in August, the council should be able to make a decision whether or not outside help will be required to demolish the properties.

In other business the council agreed upon the approval of themonthly bills.

Also, on the agenda was the amendment of the budget. For the general and street funds, the total of $ 175, 471.63 reflects the amended income. The amount of $ 180,788.69 reflects the amended amount for expenses. For the water fund and operating fund, $ 39,753.05 reflects the amended income. $ 42,379.30 reflects the amended amount for expenses. And lastly, the sewer fund operating fund of $ 54, 676.34 reflects the amount amended for income, and $ 103,546.20 reflects the amended amount for expenses.

The council approved the amount of $ 9, 963.74 as operating expenses. The four departments, including general, street, sewer and water amount came to $ 7, 606.88 for a total of $ 17,570.62.

In the city's compiled financial statement $ 326, 308.77 was submitted as total expenses for the city for the fiscal year beginning on 07-01-09 and ending on 06-30-10.

A tax meeting will be held at 4 p.m., the last Monday in July. It is open to the public and will give the residents of Arbyrd a chance to discuss the tax rate. At the August meeting of the city council, the board will discuss an ordinance on what the tax rate will be.

Chief of Police, Mitch Skelton gave the reports on water/sewer, street and police departments.

According to Skelton's report, the city issued 16 citations. Violations include, one illegal turn, one for driving with suspended license, nine for speeding, one for DWI, two for domestic assault, one for C & I and one for failure to stop at a stop sign.

The Fire Department reported responding to a number of medical assist calls throughout the month, with no major incidents being listed.

Also, on the agenda was and update on grants the city is currently applying for. According to the report, the city has applied to get a tractor with a backhoe for work needed to be performed by the street department. The price is $ 38,000 and the grant would be a 55/45 match, 55 percent being grant money and the other 45 percent being paid by the city. This grant is currently pending.

The next Arbyrd City Council meeting will be held August 9, 2010.

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