Smiths Grove discusses streetlight upgrades, Floral Avenue paving and cemetery work ahead of 2025

Commissioners reviewed several infrastructure and community items at the Oct. 28 meeting, including ongoing streetlight replacements, proposed paving, cemetery maintenance and preparations for the Christmas parade.

Commissioner Maurice Marr reported that crews have begun replacing streetlights with blue hues in the 400 block of KY Street and elsewhere; Commissioner Jennifer Cartwright said brighter lighting was desirable for safety during Halloween. Warren County Water completed a water-main repair at 6th & Main.

Mayor David L. Stiffey presented an estimate for paving Floral Avenue and recommended adding the project to the city’s 2025 paving plan. He said builder Billy Miller has widened Dial Way using rock the city purchased from Jimmy White Trucking; the work sets a base so the city could pave and widen the road in 2025 to accommodate two vehicles.

On cemetery maintenance, Commissioner Bob Buehl reported that Hale Roofing repaired chapel flashing for $225, which has been paid. Stiffey said he had received a verbal estimate of $2,750 from Anthony Willis to remove dogwoods and trim the cemetery tree line; current mowing contractors Brian and Judy Gaul will not continue their contract in 2025 and the city needs a replacement contractor by the January or February 2025 meeting.

Mayor Stiffey also circulated a list of tasks for the upcoming Christmas parade and lighting; commissioners were assigned responsibilities for parade duties and hanging streetlight decorations, and several residents volunteered to help.