Saturday's Internet Edition, 08:18 PM, May 17, 2008.
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The appointment of trustee Frank Fields to the position comes close on the heels of the resignation of former mayor James “Pickle” Johnson, who stepped down last month.
The board had 60 days to fill the position by appointment, after which an election would have been held.
Fields’ move to mayor vacates his trustee position, which the board also has 60 days to fill.
Trustee Robert Hardwick, a newbie, was voted mayor pro tem, and Patti Owens holds her position as town clerk and board treasurer.
One change that appears imminent is the removal of town attorney Stan Kimble. Trustees David Boyd and Hardwick both indicated they had candidates for the board to consider. However, no board members would comment on why they felt the change should be made, other than to say they wanted to “keep their options open.”
Owens said Kimble expressed a willingness to complete the work he has started on a property owned by the town, which it abated after the owners failed to take further action when it burned down. Owens said the town put a lien on the property and it is now headed to foreclosure.
The board temporarily appointed Kimble until the job is completed and until it has secured a new attorney.
Commission appointments were also made: Melvin Wood, streets and alleys; Boyd, water/sewer; Hardwick, safety and utilities; and trustee Dutch Venter, parks.
OTHER BIZ
A Community Development Block Grant will again fund street paving in Deer Trail to the tune of $70,000. That amount was originally planned to go directly to asphalt, but funds are now needed for street preparation as well. Prep work was formerly done by Johnson, who was experienced at the task.
Board members were unsure of costs associated with the work, and Wood pledged further exploration. Street priorities, as funds permit, are to complete Second Avenue, to pave Holly Street, and finally to pave Third Avenue from Cedar Street to Date Street.
Deer Trail’s Fourth Street is also in rough condition, one audience member told the board.
“Every time it’s bladed, there’s just a cloud of dust,” he said. “Is there nothing to do about it?”
Although board members said they were aware of the problem, Wood attested that remedying the problem would be too costly for the town at present.
Owens informed the board a public hearing is required prior to the approval of Spur Mountain Timber’s proposal to subdivide a 13-acre property it purchased from Union Pacific Railroad. Notice must be published for at least 15 days prior to the hearing, which is June 3.
Board members approved a $300 donation to the town’s youth baseball program, which has approximately 40 participants. In some previous years, Deer Trail youth have traveled to Byers to participate, so equipment is needed.
New tires for the town’s pickup truck were approved, at a cost not to exceed $600. Fireworks will take place July 4, and the town will contribute $3,500. Donations by community groups or members will offset the cost.
Members of the Deer Trail Jockeyettes said lights at the town’s Spirit of the Prairie walking trail are needed and asked the board to pay the electric bill if the club purchases the fixtures. Board members tabled the discussion, pending cost estimates.
Town Hall will begin summer seasonal hours following Memorial Day, per board approval. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
A town cleanup day is Saturday, May 31, starting at 8 a.m. and continuing until bins are full.