New Cumberland City Council once again heard from Janet Keller, a Hancock County Museum Commissioner. Keller had come to the City last month after the Hancock County County Commiaaion was unable to provide the support they had provided in year’s past due to budgetary constraints due to the loss of 1% of racetrack video lottery revenue and they suggested the Museum approach the City.
Keller had previously asked if the City could forgive or contribute toward the water and sewage bill, noting that the museum used no water. Keller noted that in the past the museum was able to depend on funds from grants and that source had dried up.
Council voted a donation of $1,000.00 be given to the museum to use as needed. Keller had told Council that the museum had about two years of the funding needed to operate. Discussion followed as to where ownership would revert if that happens. White said the City is interested in purchasing the lot behind the museum for a 2nd Avenue playground. The Museum Commission will meet Tuesday and Council members JoEllen Kesser and Beu Cline will attend.
Safety concerns with speeding trucks in the area between Sparkle Market and Chief Lester Skinner’s house was addressed. A month ago the concerns of citizens was brought to Mayor White’s attention. He in turn discussed the problem with Chief of Police Lester Skinner who said the police would begin running radar in the area. A month later and problem has not abated. White said a car had passed him in a double lined area recently. (The police report for the month of April shows only two citations.) Patrolman Don Blankenship said they would step up patrols.
Whether to close, demolish or repair the City’s seven stairs from Ridge to lower town was discussed. The wooden steps are in disrepair having rotted out and have been subject to vandalism. The cost of repairing those steps, however, is prohibitive. Council voted to close the Morris St. steps and look at the possibility of the City repairing steps in house.
In other business, Council:
**Voted to pay invoices of $239,050.23
**Was informed that Connie Malone’s yard had been named “Yard of the Month”;
**Voted to accept a bid of $2,102.99 from United Security for enhanced security the City Building. Tri-State Glass had submitted two bids for additional security measures of $4417.99 and $2590.00 and those projects will be combined at put out for bid;
**Approved handicapped parking for 921 Third Avenue;
**Approved improvement of lighting in the City Council meeting room;
**Approved electric connection for nine light poles in Upper Town to extend the Christmas lights;
**Approved a uniform allowance for the Street department of $250.00;
**Heard from Council member Penny Sprouse that she believes that any bid received by the City needed to be sealed and not opened until Council is present;
**Mayor White commended all who were involved in the Memorial Day activities.
