Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 12, 1993 TAG: 9305120196
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
City Council has approved the first reading of a $2,500 appropriation to complete improvements at the Radford Animal Shelter. However, the amount was more than a third less than the $4,121 Police Chief A. C. Earles had estimated the work would cost.
Council members visited the shelter last month and some expressed concerns about the high cost of some materials on Earles' estimate. Council subsequently cut the request, but indicated it might approve additional money after considering alternatives.
At Monday's meeting, Councilman David Worrell tried to restore the original amount. His motion failed on a 2-2 tie, with Councilman Gary Weddle absent.
Councilman Bobby Nicholson also had suggested that council approve the $4,121 figure to avoid having to revisit the issue.
"We either address that now or we address it next year," he said.
Councilwoman Polly Corn, who voted "no" on both appropriation motions, said council was "jumping the gun" and not looking at cost-saving alternatives.
The animal shelter appropriation comes up for a final reading at council's next meeting May 24.
In other action, council gave final approval to spend $17,840 to correct storm-water runoff problems in the Allen Avenue and 17th Street neighborhood. Residents of the area showed up at two council sessions to complain about flooding in backyards after heavy rain.
City Engineer Jim Hurt has told council the project will not correct all of the problems, some of which he said needed to be fixed by property owners themselves.
Council also approved an additional $1,000 for DiscoveryWorks, a local educational group that provides programs for local schools. The money makes up the rest of the city's share of a $3,000 matching grant from the state.
Council also approved a resolution requesting money to construct an access road to the soon-to-be-constructed East End Recreation Park. The resolution, to be presented to state officials, asks them to designate the new park as a public recreational area.
Council also authorized the transfer of a Radford Industrial Park site to the Industrial Development Authority. The city plans to erect a shell building there.
In a related matter, council also gave final approval to a $500,000 construction loan agreement and note to finance the project. The city will borrow the money from utility accounts. The Industrial Development Authority will kick in $100,000 of its own money.
by CNB