By Sarah Richardson
The Lewisburg City Council met on Tuesday, Aug. 15, to discuss and approve several resolutions and Arts and Humanities funding requests. Resolution 528, a water system improvement project pay request in the total amount of $1,561,498.64 was passed, along with Resolution 529, Public Works building pay request 6, in the amount of $231,621.75.
Sally Bray and Cathy Rennard with Carnegie Hall approached the Council with an Arts and Humanities funding request in the amount of $2,725 to be used for TOOT artist fees. The finance committee approved the request, as did council. “This year is going to be a challenging year,” Bray reported. She said that they are encountering some resistance from vendors, and that Carnegie is trying to increase the overall number of vendors this year to help with lines and wait times. “We are really enhancing the artist aspect of it, because that really is the most important thing to us. But we do believe that this is a city-wide benefit, and with your financial support it makes it a lot easier,” said Bray.
“We think that diversification is a key factor right now, and this does enable us to do that,” Rennard said. “It will be a well-rounded festival on Oct. 14.”
A second Arts and Humanities funding request, this one for the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra for their Labor Day concert, was considered and approved by council. This $700 will be used to help finance the public concert on Sunday, Sept. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Green Space. Dr. Bonny Copenhaver, President of the New River Community and Technical College, will be the guest speaker this year. The public is invited to bring a chair to the Green Space to enjoy this free event.
In other news:
City Manager Misty Hill discussed an invoice from Thrasher Engineering for $8,925 for the design, construction administration, and geotechnical services for the new fire station project. They will now start designing the foundation for the new station, which will be located off of Grand Avenue near the movie theater. The invoice was approved as presented.
Hill also announced that the City had a Class III water operation resign, and Council approved the hiring of Aaron Brown as a new Class III water plant employee.
