Talk Union County Blog

Highlights from Luttrell City Council’s November Meeting

LUTTRELL - When the City of Luttrell’s 2006 application for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was denied, city council members wanted to know why. Had they not, after all, managed to use the funds to keep the city’s sewer system in good working order? Hadn’t they spent hours going over the application? The answer, as it turns out, is a unique one.

Luttrell fulfilled not only its grant obligations for 2005-2006 cycle, but also achieved the highest of the three star ratings on this year’s evaluation. It was also one of only a handful of applicants in the 2006 pool that did not have a commissioner’s order from a state agency demanding that they resolve specific violations and problems. The grant money Luttrell sought for 2006 was to help with maintenance and upgrades rather than correcting state violations.

But Community Development Block Grant’s are awarded to cities based on need rather than merit. There are no points given for efficiency, completion of projects, or keeping project costs down. To put it simply, Luttrell’s failure to secure a CDBG for 2006 was based on its own success.

The good news for residents of Luttrell is that the city’s sewer lines, in comparison to similar cities, are in great shape.

Luttrell city council is applying again for 2007 and the number of applicants that still have commissioner’s orders and are eligible to receive the grant is expected to be less this year. The application is due in February.

LIBRARY

Despite snags involving contractor’s work regarding the sheetrock, the new Luttrell Library is progressing on time and with added improvements.

The sheetrock finishing, which currently contains several visible imperfections, was deemed substandard by city council. Council members agreed that the excuse that this was a “commercial finish” and therefore contained more flaws than a “residential finish” was not good enough and voted to withhold payment from the contractor until the flaws are corrected.

Since the project was found to be $2,056 under budget, it was suggested that the council consider using the funds for key improvements that would affect the value and maintenance needs of the library in the long term.

The first improvement, approved by council, was the addition of downspouts to drain rainwater directly into the sewer system. The additional downspouts will prevent water from causing problems on sidewalks, and in the parking lot, as well as help prevent the formation of ice in the winter.

Also, approved by council was the addition of a light for the flagpole outside of the library. The additional light allows for the flag to be flown at all times. Mayor Jack Dyer suggested that council select one that was placed at the top of the flagpole to avoid any potential damage or vandalism that could occur to lights placed on the ground.

OTHER ITEMS

–Chief Paving’s bid of $103,194 for city asphalt work was the lowest of bids received and was accepted unanimously by council. In addition, Mayor Dyer will search for the best loan to cover the city’s costs after grant monies are applied to the project.

–The Parks and Recreation committee will be investigating operating rules and regulations for the community center.