Gentry council updated on city projects

GENTRY -- In a brief meeting on May 2, city council members in Gentry were provided updates on numerous city projects and were provided a water/sewer extension specifications book for review prior to taking action on a proposed ordinance to adopt the document at the June council meeting.

Kevin Johnston, Gentry's mayor, updated the council on work being completed at the city's new splash pad, saying punch list items were being completed and that it would be ready to reopen by Memorial Day weekend.

Justin Spafford, of Flintco, told the council that final work was being completed on the ballfields and dugouts, in addition to some seeding and sod work. Johnston also anticipated the complex would be ready to be opened to the public by Memorial Day weekend.

Larry Gregory, of Garver, reported ongoing work at the new water storage facility along Y-City Road, saying the project was close to 100 percent complete. He said rains were slowing site work but he still anticipated reaching the substantial completion stage on or before mid-June.

Johnston said cleanup work is progressing at 117 N. Smith Avenue, with the property owner planning to remove the buildings once items are moved out.

The council urged the mayor to move forward with the condemnation process on a property at 420 S. Byers Avenue.

Johnston said the property owner had been cited for violations and would have to appear in court. The council's recommendation would require a hearing notice be given and a hearing set on the date of the next council meeting before the council proceeds with the condemnation process.

The council tabled a proposed ordinance to adopt a water/sewer extension specifications book to allow time to review the book before taking action at the next council meeting, in June. Action is needed in regard to the book because of health department requirements that are delaying projects.

The water/sewer extension specifications book is available for review on the city website and at the city hall.

Johnston reported on the success of the citywide cleanup event and answered a number of questions from council matters before the meeting adjourned.