By Julie Johansen
Open public meeting training for the council preceded the regularly scheduled Huntington City Council meeting for February. Councilman Joe Ward was excused. Following opening remarks, pledge and approval of the minutes four new business licenses were approved: Winks and Waves hair salon at 150 North Main, Art in the Attic, Clifford Law Offices at 175 North Main, and Clyde’s Trailer Park, LLC at 135 North 300 East.
Representatives of the Emery High Rodeo team Shaylie Gilbert and Jessie McElprang approached the council asking for a donation. The council approved $150.00 as a donation to help sponsor the high school rodeo.
$200.00 was also approved to help the county Recreation Department buy new canopies and to assist buying new tires for the mobile bleachers.
A public hearing was opened for comments about the city purchasing some property from McAllisters on Main Street. The city stated that this was to facilitate economic growth and improve the property itself for resale. Some citizen concerns were a high water table, former speculation lots with no improvements, whether or not it is a sound investment, other potential buyers and economic downturn.
Public hearing was closed and the action taken by the city council was to postpone any decision for 30 days to obtain more public input and look for some other potential buyers. Diamond H Rodeo Contractors were approved for the upcoming Heritage Days Rodeo to be hosted June 23rd and 24th. Jamie Potter will also be in charge of the rodeo queen contest.
The meeting was then opened for public comments. A request was made for clearing the walking trail around Huntington North. A question was asked as to what the city plans to do with the recent graffiti vandalism and they replied that the courts will decide, but it needs to be expedient.
Mayor Hillary Gordon reported that the plans are coming together for Heritage Days celebration and that the wall at the cemetery will be built as soon as the weather permits, hopefully March. They are looking for a chair for the Heritage Days Queen Pageant. Mayor Gordon expressed appreciation for maintenance crew’s dedication in snow removal, especially on Christmas.
Councilman Norton reported about a dog-catcher training he had attended recently and plans to attend CERT Training on the 27th and LEPC Meeting on the 22nd. Councilwoman Cowley complimented the Youth City Council and is calling for volunteer help with beautification efforts.
Councilman Guymon reported on the new 24 hour, 365 days, heated restrooms to be installed south of the driveway to the old city building. There will also be tourism brochures and information available there. He also said that Green Grove will become a park and needed volunteers to help.
Councilman Justice wanted to thank the city maintenance men for their work and also stated that the drains in the city will be worked on this summer.
Gary Arrington, Zoning Administrator, reported of an upcoming request for rezoning but the application has not yet been received.