Few Street Park upgrades funded by Chamber grant; police and fire give monthly reports

Tracy Salter, Chamber Director, told the council that a $5,200 grant funded purchases for Few Street Park, including eight wrought-iron bistro tables and 16 chairs, and that Public Works handcrafted and installed two permanently anchored cypress swings. Salter said the total project cost was approximately $5,500, with the Chamber covering the difference; security cameras purchased for the park are scheduled for installation this week.

Public Works Director Garrett Luckie is noted as having built and installed the swings; the minutes record that the swings are permanently secured in the ground. The Chamber and city will pursue additional projects for the park, and Salter said staff will apply for a grant to install a sunshade over part of the area.

Police Chief Justin Lovvorn reported the department responded to 797 calls for service in March and recorded four Part I crimes; he also noted that Officers Stringer and Clark recently graduated from the police academy and that the department will host gun-safety awareness sessions for students and parents on Wednesday morning.

Fire Chief Belletete reported 106 calls for service in March, a decrease of 12 calls compared with the same period last year, and said he plans citywide safety-related training over the next three months to enhance employee awareness.

Mayor Brown also noted recent community complaints about thrifting bins behind several businesses and said Public Works would clean the areas and remove bins being used as dumpsters. He announced a grant committee — Kristi Turner, Bettdonna Mack, Kevin Pearcy, Eddie Cook, and Tracy Salter — to identify grant opportunities for city departments, including potential amphitheater and beautification funding.