By Paige Gurgainers
City of Springhill Main Street Director Amy Poladian kicked off the Springhill City Council’s regular meeting held this past Monday, Feb. 12, with a report on the success of this year’s Mardi Gras Festivities.
She said, “We added it up and we had about 2,500 to 3,000 attendees, so we had a great turn-out. It was really fun. I want to thank the Mayor and the Chief of Police for participating in the parade.”
Mayor Ray Huddleston agreed and made note of how packed the restaurants and stores were downtown during that weekend. “It was really good. I appreciate all the work everybody did on that,” he said.
Another item on the agenda included authorizing the mayor to accept the bid on a Love LA Outdoors Grant. Huddleston said this would be an additional $75K approval to get Elite Pools and Spas L.L.C. out of Baton Rouge to begin construction on the splash pad to be installed near the Frank B Anthony RV Park on Church Street.
Alderman Mike Whitlock is looking forward to getting the ball rolling on this project. He said, “This is something we have been waiting to get done for a long time. This is an opportunity for the kids to have something to play in since we don’t have pools.”
The board also approved the certifications training incentives that will be implemented along with the newly accepted pay scale for city employees.
Huddleston said, “This is where people in water, sewer, office and anybody that needs certifications. When they get the certification, they get a small bump in their pay for that qualification.”
Other items included on the agenda that were unanimously approved included:
– Adopt a Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter an arrangement with Virgil Moore to allow construction of a second story fire escape on his downtown property.
– Consider the quotes to replace the CAC Building fire sprinkler system control board.
– Consider the Police Chief’s recommendation to move Paul Dunn from full time to part time and to accept the resignations of Katie Rankins and David Silvers.
– Consider the Police Chief’s recommendation to hire Jimmy Williams and Kevin Lavack as full-time patrol officers and to appoint Anthony Thompson to the police officer reserves list.
– Consider payment of the January 2024 monthly vendor bills totaling $124,116.38.
Before adjournment Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Frazier announced that the 13th Annual North Webster Black History Parade hosted by Sistas Serving the Community was rescheduled to Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. Line-up will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Church Street beside the old Springhill High School. Edward Bankhead will be serving as the Grand Marshal. This event is free and open to the public.