Thu, 12/11/2008 - 12:16am — john
It was a pretty busy meeting Monday night and surprisingly no one seemed to be in a hurry to get the meeting over with. Thats the way they should be, but maybe with a little more citizen input.
Rod Mullins asked for a resolution of support for about 25 camper sites on the TP trailer court that he owns. He is making an application for a permit from the State and this would help. He was granted the resolution.
Greg Jones from SIDC and David Ripple from Bernardin, etc presented the City Comprehensive Plan and also received a resolution of support, next it will go to the County Commissioners for approval to become effective. SIDC and the city will then apply for a grant. (the Plan will also serve to back up any other grant applications such as from the Good Start Committee and others). Since I didn't get a chance to offer input to the plan I did write out some comments and they are made part of the official record. Don't know if anyone else did this, possibly not, but at least there are some suggestions from me as a part. This wasn't discussed at the meeting but I was assured by Mr Ripple that they are to be included.
The Attorney pleaded with the council to pass $16,000.00 for Landmark Surveying to start a survey on the Industrial Park and it was granted. She thought the original survey didn't have pins set and was of little value but I checked my copy and it did have pins and all that is necessary for a valid survey.
I gave it to Rita Lee the next day in hopes that since the original work was already done they shouldn't charge so much. Lets see. A fresh survey is good for development but to say there was nothing to start with is wrong. I also don't agree with her statement that the city of Bicknell is a mess, survey wise. In my 33 years as a Realtor here I haven't seen ANY problems. Some towns do have problems but not Bicknell to my knowledge. I don't know anything about Landmark except that they are from Washington. As I understand the $16,000.00 is for Phase 1 of a complete surveying job. Would be interesting to know if any other surveyors were contacted.
Fran Rottet requested the city check into Lankford Drive parking but was told to check the deed and go back to Bicknell Manor.
The handbook for city employees was discussed for updating, revision and continual updating and passed. The company to be hired will charge $8,000.00 as I remember.
Our Good Start suggestion of accepting donated vacant lots in the northwest section of town to turn into mini walking parks and a wooded refuge was brought up by the Mayor with the suggestion that it would cost too much for some park benches and picnic tables. Idea was tabled. Good Start will consider going it alone for grants and the city likely will pitch in with labor and equipment.
From Ron Ackman
