Fairview's new Mayor Keith Henry, Councilman Robert Johnson and Councilman Joseph Black were sworn in by Mayor Dale Seals.
FAIRVIEW – On Monday evening the Town of Fairview welcomed its new mayor and council members at its regular town council meeting. After an invocation by returning Councilman Norman Dye, outgoing Mayor Dale Seals came forward to swear in new Mayor Keith Henry, and new council members Joseph Black and Robert Johnson. Returning members Charles Banister and Paula Edge were also present, along with Town Clerk Debbie Shedd.
Mayor Henry took the reins with brief opening remarks. Expressing a desire for cooperation, he stated, "I want unity in the council; I want us all to work together," concluding, "I see good things for Fairview."
Getting down to business, Henry extended a welcome to guests and opened the floor for public comment.
Fairview Lions Club representative Stephanie Giancatarino was present to share the club's Christmas plans, which are to hold a Christmas parade at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 16, followed by children's visits with Santa at the park. The Lions are also seeking the donation of a live Christmas tree to be planted near one of the park's pavilions for annual re-use. After a motion by Dye, the council voted to support the Lions Club projects.
Next, Fairview High School Principal Chris Gambrill presented a plan to secure funding for repairs and improvements to the school's athletic facilities by leasing those facilities and surrounding grounds to the City of Fairview for 10 years at $1 per year, which he offered to pay himself. As municipalities qualify for certain improvement grants that are not available to schools, Gambrill says the school could potentially use otherwise unavailable funding for parking lots, a new athletic fieldhouse, a freestanding football film room that would double as a community theater, a resurfaced track and a band room. While the council left the door open to further discussion, no official action was taken on the proposal at this meeting.
The meeting then moved to old business. Henry gave an update on renovations at the senior center, noting that good progress was being made and that the project seemed to be on schedule.
Henry also reported that the town has received a grant to repave a portion of Welcome Road, but that the town will have to pay up front, then apply for reimbursement. As Fairview lacks up-front funds, it may have to borrow the money. The county might be able to provide those initial funds, though, so a motion was passed to empower the mayor to pursue county funding.
Banister announced that a memorial bench in town hall should be placed in the park. He suggested placing it near one of the park's pavilions, but another suggestion pointed to the senior center. Shedd pointed out another matching bench that would make placement in both locations possible. A motion by Johnson to pursue placement of both benches passed.
The council began its new business by distributing instructions for procedural rules, before Henry gave notice of the upcoming annual Veterans Day Dinner at Chesley Oaks, to which all council members and spouses are invited.
Henry then got down to his big order of business by distributing a list of needed repairs and improvements he has noted around the town. He left space on the list for council members to add their own, and asked them to bring their lists back to a later meeting. He also passed out a collection of photos of numerous problems at the town's ball fields, noting that the issues are not just eyesores, but safety hazards as well. He further distributed photos of issues with local roads and road signage. No motions were made, but the council discussed at length the various problems, planning to address them over time.
Councilman Banister noted that a disc golf basket is missing from the town's course. Further discussion revealed a second basket that was damaged by a vehicle. No action was taken, but council members considered talking with local disc golf enthusiasts about ways to upgrade the course.
Next, a motion by Henry to pay all town bills was passed without discussion.
After brief informal returns to various previous topics, the meeting adjourned.
The Fairview Town Council meets at Fairview Town Hall at 6 p.m. on the first Monday of each month. The public is invited to attend.
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