SF to apply for sewer grant

By CHRIS MENEES Messenger Staff Reporter The City of South Fulton’s intention to apply for grant funds for sewer system improvements gained some momentum Thursday evening with the city commission’s passage of three resolutions related to making application. Three separate resolutions required for the Community Development Block Grant application process were approved by the South Fulton City Commission during its regular monthly meeting at the city’s municipal complex. South Fulton Mayor David Crocker said the resolutions are required “to get the ball rolling” for grant application. The first resolution approved by the commission officially authorized Crocker to execute and submit an application with appropriate assurances to the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Program Management requesting fiscal year 2009 CDBG funds in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for a sewer system improvement project. The city would be responsible for the local cash/match to be provided in full by the general account, according to the resolution. In addition, approval of the resolution resulted in Crocker’s being designated and appointed as financial officer on the city’s behalf for the application process. A second resolution that gained the commission’s approval selected Community Development Partners LLC to assist in administrative services necessary to complete the grant application on a no-cost basis and, in the event the project is successfully funded, to assist in administration of the project. The final resolution approved by the commission selected Hethcoat & Davis Inc. to provide engineering services for the project. The engineering firm will conduct the necessary work to complete the grant application on a no-cost basis and, in the event the project is successfully funded, assist in the engineering design and implementation of the project, according to the resolution. Crocker reported he has been staying in close contact with South Fulton city manager Jeff Vowell throughout the early stages of the grant application process. Vowell said the Community Development Block Grant is “the topic of the day” and is currently his main focus. The commission learned last month that a community survey is required as part of the application process and city officials urged the community’s cooperation in completing the survey phase. Vowell told commissioners Thursday night that he has identified about 80 percent of the homes needing to be surveyed and about 100 surveys have been completed so far. Vowell said he is encouraged by the cooperation he has seen thus far and told commissioners it’s “just a matter of getting out” in the community to complete the surveys. He has been working to map out the community and organize the process, adding he is appreciative of the Weakley County Electric System’s assistance in providing maps with meter numbers. “I’m optimistic,” he added. In other action during Thursday evening’s meeting, which was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and with prayer led by commissioner Tony Perry, the commission: • Heard about plans to relocate the commissioners’ inbox for correspondence to City Hall. Crocker said relocating the box to City Hall from another area of the municipal building will result in commissioners being more frequent visitors to City Hall in order to retrieve their city-related mail. • Was reminded that city stickers for residents’ vehicles are on sale now through Jan. 30 at City Hall. Vowell said residents should bring their vehicle registrations with them when they come in to purchase the required stickers. • Learned the city’s fire department will be purchasing some used fire hose located in Memphis, action which will fill a need in the local department. Vowell said the hose is being purchased “for pennies on the dollar.” Commissioner Charles Moody was absent from the meeting Thursday evening. ——— Staff Reporter Chris Menees may be contacted by e-mail at cmenees@ucmessenger.com. Published in The Messenger 1.16.09

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