Because Perry’s new fire station is scheduled to be complete
by the end of February, the city council cancelled the fire station impact fee
during it’s Tuesday meeting.
The fee cancellation goes into effect on March 1.
Over the past six years, the impact fee has raised
approximately $200,000 said City Manager Lee Gilmour, which has gone to fund
the construction of the new fire station.
The station is being built near the intersection of Langston
and Houston Lake roads.
“The (completion) date is pretty much right on target,” said
Fire Chief Joel Gray while giving council members an update on the station.
The council also approved a policy to allow the city manager
to waive parade and city facility rental fees.
The change in policy was due to Monday’s work session
discussion centered on the number of waivers the council was seeing each month.
In order to have the fee waived, the policy states that the
petitioner must, “be a non-profit group or associated with a non-profit group
that provides some type of community support that benefits the residents of
Perry, a civic minded fraternal organization that meets on a regular basis in
Perry, an organization or group commemorating a historical or cultural person
event that has had an impact on the citizens of Perry or a local or state
government entity providing some service to the residents of Perry.”
The person asking for the waiver must provide documentation
of support.
The petitioner can still appeal to the council if they are
not satisfied with the original decision, said Gilmour.
In other business, the council approved the appointment of
Marry Beth Bass as the director of economic development. Bass, who has worked
for the city for a year, was previously the economic development coordinator.
Gilmour state she would not receive a pay increase due to
the appointment.
“I am extremely honored to have received the appointment of
Economic Development Director, and feel privileged that Mayor and Council have
demonstrated such strong support for the office. There are so many exciting
opportunities for the City of Perry right now, and a growing synergy among our
community partners that makes me thrilled to be in this position at this time,”
stated Bass. “I look forward to continuing to establish a strong foundation for
economic and business growth in Perry, and developing a comprehensive
redevelopment strategy that will spur revitalization in areas of our community
where it is most needed. Working with this community to help guide plans for
future growth over the last year has truly been a privilege, and I look forward
to continuing that work in my new capacity.”
HHJ News
