Bethany Council Gives Support To Library’s Lift Project
Bethany’s Board of Aldermen gave their support to the Bethany Public Library Board’s endeavor to find the financing and install a lift for the Bethany Public Library during a meeting held Monday night. The Library’s Board of Trustees President Lori Luellen told council members that a lift would provide expanded use of library space by providing a meeting area, quiet study area, and a testing area for the basement level of the library. She also stated that a community group has agreed to help with financial support for the installation of a ADA-compliant lift, but wanted assurances from the council that the installation of the lift would be supported.
Council members went halfway on a request by Porter Trash to increase their price for waste removal per house per month. Porter Trash requested a 4 dollar per month increase in October to cover rising fuel and labor costs. At that time, the council approved a 2 dollar per month increase. After Porter Trash requested another 2 dollar per month increase this month, the council approved a 1 dollar per month increase. At this time, that extra cost will be absorbed by the city and will not be passed along to residential customers. The city has about $200,000 in their solid waste fund.
Council members discussed the plan for the wall on the northeast side of the square following the building’s demolition in the last 6 weeks. Northwest Metals received the bid for the wall materials at just over $3,000. Some community members were part of a discussion about how the wall should be decorated. There will be more discussion on the matter at a later time.
Several zoning changes were approved at the meeting. Those included a zoning change from Industrial to Highway Business for land owned by Rhonda Taylor, from Residential to Agricultural for land owned by Lance Johns, from Residential to Agriculture for land owned by Lester Johns, and from Residential to Highway Business for land owned by Drake Daniel.
The ad which will be published for an Economic Development Position for the City of Bethany was also reviewed by the council. City Administrator Jake Taylor told council members that he hopes to have a candidate for the council to interview by March 6th.
