Perry Council updates its plans for RC track

Perry Mayor and Council held its first work session of the month on August 2 at 5:00 pm. In this meeting mayor and council discussed the update on the remote control vehicle track (RC track), waste management, succession request, future users’ proposal, etc. These work sessions are held to inform and update Perry citizens on what’s taking place in the community. All these work sessions are open to the public.

Starting the meeting was Leisure Services Director Sedrick Swan with the RC track update. The development of the RC park was a combined effort of various COP departments and community stakeholders. The Vehicle Maintenance Managers for Perry Public Works are Bob Taylor and William Bell. Their allocated budget is $7,400, and expenses are truckloads of dirt and barriers. The recycled materials are Conex box and fire hose. Swan stated that they have received an outpouring of community support, during the process. Some of the donated items are yellow fencing and volunteer services.

City Manager Lee Gilmour spoke on the Waste Management contract amendment. The city and company desire to extend the term of the agreement and modify the scope of services to include the weekly collection of yard waste and bulky. “Whereas the city and company desire to document the adjustments to company’s compensation during the extended term. Now, therefore the city and company agree. This amendment is hereby incorporated into the agreement and together therewith they contain the entire agreement between the parties as to the matters contained therein. Any oral representation or modification concerning this agreement shall be of no force and effort.”

Following, Gilmour presented the change to the proposal South Langston Road extension. The design is to change from Perry Parkway style (two lanes each direction/grass median/limited crossovers) to Lake Joy Road style (one lane each direction/continuous left-hand turn/ and unlimited crossovers). Also, bring the street intersection with US 341 South to Saddlecreek Road/ US 341 South intersection. Next, Gilmour presented the succession request. Ms. V. Sanders, customer service manager, has advised the city she is retiring affective January 1, 2022. The administration requested council’s approved to begin the replacement process and allow time for cross training.

Gilmour next spoke on future users’ proposal. Ford Motor Company will begin producing F-150 pickup trucks powered by electricity. Arctic Air is servicing the school buses from Bluebird powered only by electricity. General Motor’s Cadillac SUV has a totally electric model. “Based on this changing environment, the Administration recommends council authorize partnering with the electric power provides to install vehicle charging stations.”

The trial site would be Heritage Oaks Park. The city would contribute 10% of the installation cost with the provider paying the balance and all future maintenance/ replacement cost. Lastly, Gilmour discussed the municipal court schedule. “Due to the caseload and delays as a result of COVID-19 the municipal court arraignment dates are doubling from per month to four per month.”

This plus the added workload for court dates warrants an increase in the judge’s compensation. The administration recommended the judge’s compensation increase as shown: Chief Judge to increase from $2,767 to $5,500 and Associate Judge to increase from $1,030 to $2,100 a month. Shortly after this topic, the meeting was adjourned.

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