Heath Springs Town Council’s meeting Tuesday, March 19, was filled with updates, progress reports and a Women’s History Celebration.
The town is making upgrades on the town park located in front of Town Hall between Hart Street and the Gulf & Ohio Railway tracks.
Town Administrator Wanda Kilpatrick presented council with a proposed master plan from the civil engineering firm, Keck & Wood.
The Phase 1 preliminary drawing shows a new dual-purpose tennis and pickleball court and space for new playground equipment. Two new picnic shelters will be constructed. Nearly 35 parking spaces will be along Hart and Duncan streets. A safety fence will enclose the park.
Demolition of the old park is nearly complete. After demolition, bids will be sought for construction of new amenities. Council voted unanimously to move forward. All council members were present.
Money matters
In order to complete the 2024-25 budget by July 1, council set two work sessions. Both will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, and Thursday, May 2.
Council gave the nod to Kilpatrick to move forward with a 10-year capital improvement plan, which will serve as a blueprint to manage the town’s growth and to ensure infrastructure needs are met.
Additionally, the town’s insurance company is requiring the town to establish a written safety plan and hold regular safety training meetings.
Council had to buy new tires for the sanitation trucks, which were the first tires to be purchased in the last five years. The six tires cost $3,572. Council approved the purchase.
Depot repairs
Council voted unanimously to select Cox’s Plumbing for work on the historical train depot. Cox Plumbing will be installing handicap-accessible toilets, a hot water heater and upgrading the plumbing.
Four bids ranged from $5,900 to $11,167. Cox’s bid was $6,829. Council chose Cox because the bid was reasonable, and the business is local. Councilor Iva Drakeford voiced positive experience with Cox.
Recently, termites were discovered in the depot, which is registered on the National Register of Historical Sites. Kilpatrick reports she sought and received permission from the Historical Registry to proceed with treatment, which will require cutting into the wood floor.
The depot, built in 1903, is currently used for community events. At Christmas, the depot is decorated like the North Pole and the L&C train is transformed into the L&C Santa Express.
Women’s History Month
Nearly 40 women were honored in a ceremony, in which they were all dubbed “Gutsy Women.”
Other business
Kilpatrick announced that Town Hall is now fully armed with a new security system from Comporium that includes cameras and alarms.
Next month, the town will honor the Andrew Jackson High School girls basketball team, which won the AA state championship. The celebration will be at 6 p.m. at the April 11 council meeting.
The town is participating in Park Day at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Hanging Rock Battlefield. The park is at the intersection of Beecher Horton and Flat Rock roads in Heath Springs.
Volunteers are advised to wear old clothes and sturdy shoes, as well work gloves and safety glasses. Anyone with clippers, chain saws, rakes and garden tools are encouraged to bring those with them. Volunteers will also be picking up litter.
For more information, reach out to Gina Bobo, ginabcar@outlook.com, or 803-396-3994.
