Lookout Mountain approves backhoe purchase, school gets Volkswagen grant and board grants setback variance on first reading

At its Sept. 10 meeting the Lookout Mountain Board of Commissioners authorized municipal equipment spending and recorded community updates on recreation and education, while granting a property-variance request on first reading.

Commissioner William Valadez reported that brush and leaf removal projects will begin after the school carnival and that the town needs a new backhoe; the minutes state the backhoe acquisition was approved (the motion and seconder were not specified in the transcript). Commissioner Joe Hailey reported that field repairs are ongoing, the soccer season is underway and the Mountain Munchery has opened in its new facilities.

Commissioner Karen Leavengood reported that the Lookout Mountain school was named a beneficiary of a Volkswagen grant and was designated as a participant in the state Innovation Network; she also announced the school carnival scheduled for Oct. 1. During Citizen’s Input the new owner-operator of The Mountain Escape Spa appeared to outline plans for reopening the facility; the minutes record the appearance but do not provide further detail or the operator’s name.

In new business, residents Matt and Patricia Mclelland requested a variance to reduce the front-line setback on a corner lot at Oak Street and Sprayner Terrace from 35 feet to 25 feet. After discussion, Commissioner Bentley moved, Commissioner Leavengood seconded and the Board unanimously granted the variance on first reading.