(Posted May 25, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
London city council continues to move forward with research into converting the old primary school building at 20 S. Walnut St. into city offices.
On May 19, council held a first reading on legislation to seek bids for the renovation. Councilman Rex Castle said the city properties committee will have an estimated figure to attach to the legislation by council’s next meeting on June 2, setting the maximum amount for the project.
“We also want to put up for bid properties that will be vacated” if the Walnut Street renovation goes through, Castle said, adding that legislation to that affect could be introduced as early as the June 2 meeting. The sale of vacated city property would generate revenue and save in utility costs, he said.
Members of the city properties commit-tee joined an architect on a walk-through of the primary building on May 14.
Mayor Patrick Closser updated council on parks and recreation activities. He said the pool is on track to open on May 28. He also noted that the city is contracting with MATCO Services to sell concessions at the pool.
“This is a great partnership and creates a better amenity for the pool than in the past,” he said. “Last year, the concession stand was only open for 15 minutes every hour. With MATCO taking over, they will be able to run it the entire day while freeing up freeing up our employees to do the job they are paid to do.”
He also reported that co-ed softball has started, with seven teams playing on Sundays. Six men’s teams have expressed interest in playing on Tuesday nights. He said the league has room for a couple more teams. The men’s league should start the first week of June.
“After the leagues were cancelled last year, I didn’t know if we would be able to get people interested to come back,” he said. “The overwhelming support and gratitude from the teams has been great. Everyone is glad to see adult recreation back in London.”
Joe Mosier, safety-service director, put out a plea to homeowners to maintain their yards. He said many properties have overgrown grass.
“It would be nice if citizens in London would take a little more pride in their properties and clean them up,” he said.
The next city council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. June 2 in council chambers, 6 E. Second St. Committee meetings are slated as follows: services, 6 p.m. June 9; safety, 7 p.m. June 14; and finance, 6 p.m. June 20. All take place in council chambers, except safety which meets at the police department on East First Street. The meetings are open to the public.
