Tuesday, October 17, 2006

The council approved spending $5 million per year from redevelopment funds on street paving, but the decision split 5-4 with Butt, Griffin, Rogers, and Thurmond voting no. Redevelopment money comes from property tax increases in specific districts where the city has invested in improvements.

The council authorized lease negotiations with DiCon Fiberoptics for a temporary police station while the current station undergoes repairs. Butt cast the lone dissenting vote on the relocation plan.

A 5-year infrastructure plan covering fiscal years 2006-2011 was approved to guide major city projects and repairs. The council also approved $40,000 to hire a civil engineering consultant and passed a biodiesel study to research alternative fuel for city vehicles.

The council approved 9 routine items on consent, including a $43,000 contract with Dunbar Armored for courier services and $20,000 to hire a recruiting firm for library positions. Other consent items included $19,000 for PlanetBids online bidding system and extending the crematorium ban until September 2007.