Council approves $140,000 loan to First Stage Fabrication, OKs special‑use permit and several appointments

The Red Bud City Council approved an economic‑development loan, a special‑use permit, and a set of committee appointments and resignations.

Economic development commissioners recommended a $140,000 loan to First Stage Fabrication for a seven‑year term, secured by business assets, with interest set at 3% under prime at the time of loan completion. The council moved and approved the loan on a roll‑call vote. The record contains a transcription inconsistency: one segment earlier in the packet read an incorrect, much larger figure; the motion and vote reflected the $140,000 figure stated by the economic development commissioner.

"The commission passed unanimously," said the economic development commissioner when presenting the loan. Staff reported that releases had been obtained from two banks and that escrow arrangements were in place; closing paperwork was expected within two weeks.

On land‑use matters, the council approved ordinance No. 1557 to allow Evelyn Sondag to operate a mending shop as a special use in her home; the planning commission had unanimously recommended the permit, and Sondag was present in the audience.

The council also accepted the resignation of Brad Mayberry from the parks and recreation committee and appointed Matt Shields to fill the vacancy. In other business, Elizabeth Kow was approved as Red Bud’s representative on the Monroe Randolph Transit District board of directors, and the council welcomed John Holzum as the planning commission’s new chair.

All of the motions carried on roll‑call votes. Staff said loan closing and appointment paperwork would proceed per normal administrative process.