Henderson council approves preservation easement, demolition contract and park sign funding; delays housing closure

The Henderson City Council on Jan. 8 approved several measures including a preservation easement for the First National Bank building, a contract to demolish a jointly owned building on S. Garnett Street, and a $20,000 expenditure to replace park entrance signs, while giving the owner of 135 S. Bullock Street until Feb. 12 to meet minimum housing standards.

Assistant to the City Manager Paylor Spruill told council members the preservation easement would restrict alterations that would change the building’s historic character, calling for the roof and skylight to be returned to their original condition and requesting the front doors reflect how they would have looked in the 1920s; council added a requirement that any signage receive Council approval. Council approved Resolution 18-02 on a motion by Council Member D. Michael Rainey, seconded by Council Member Sara M. Coffey; the vote was unanimous among members present.

On a separate item, City Manager Frank Frazier said the City and County now own 405 S. Garnett Street and had solicited bids for demolition. Buffalo Creek Clearing & Demolishing submitted the lowest bid at $18,500, which includes a $2 million liability policy; Council approved Resolution 18-01 to award the contract and share demolition costs with the County. Council discussed who would be responsible for any damage to an adjoining building and confirmed the contractor’s insurance coverage would apply to the project.

The council also approved Ordinance 18-01 authorizing use of $20,000 from donated recreation funds to replace entrance signs at parks and facilities after Recreation and Parks Director Kendrick Vann said some signs had graffiti and others lacked required E-911 service-address labeling. Council Member Garry D. Daeke asked how much would remain in the fund; City Manager Frank Frazier reported about $3,208 would remain after the expenditure.

On housing enforcement, City Manager Frazier summarized a continuing matter that began in November 2017 concerning 135 S. Bullock Street. Property owner Frank Bullock told council he had brought a partial payment and needed another pay period and family help to pay outstanding balances. Bullock said, “I brought $150 with me this evening and need another pay period,” and reported owing $530 for water/sewer and about $600 for electric. Council voted to allow Mr. Bullock until the Feb. 12 regular meeting to provide proof that utility bills are paid in full and that services are functioning; the motion was moved by Council Member D. Michael Rainey, seconded by Council Member William Burnette, and approved unanimously by members present (Melissa Elliott was absent).

Votes at a glance • Motion to allow the owner of 135 S. Bullock Street until Feb. 12 to comply with minimum housing standards and provide proof of paid, functioning water/sewer and electric: Passed (YES: Williams, Coffey, Burnette, Rainey, Daeke, Simmons, Daye; ABSENT: Elliott). Reference: Ordinance 18-03/CAF 18-07. • Resolution 18-02 — First National Bank Building Preservation Easement (with added signage clause): Passed unanimously. Reference: CAF 18-02. • Resolution 18-01 — Authorize demolition of 405 S. Garnett Street; contract with Buffalo Creek Clearing & Demolishing ($18,500): Passed unanimously. Reference: CAF 18-01. • Ordinance 18-01 — Use $20,000 of General Recreation donated funds to replace park entrance signs: Passed unanimously. Reference: CAF 18-03; Budget Amendment #12.

The council approved the adjusted consent agenda and heard staff reports, including an update on sanitation delays due to weather, pending bids for a water-main replacement project, and a presentation from Edythe Thompson of Rebuild Communities on a proposed memorandum of understanding that will return to Council in February. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.