The New Castle City Council met on Monday to recognize a local hero, heard from a group looking for donations and passed multiple ordinances and a resolution.
Hero’s Presentation
Logan and Emily Norrod attended the meeting for Logan to be recognized for heroic actions. Logan saved a boy from drowning in Fall Creek in Pendleton earlier this month.
Logan explained more about the incident. He said that he and his wife were enjoying a day off at Fall Creek. Logan noticed children playing at the top of the falls when an 8 year old boy went over the falls and was struggling to resurface. Logan jumped into action and dove to the boy. Logan got to the boy and helped him to the side where he could check the boy for any physical injuries.
Logan said, “I recommend to everybody to be safe around water.”
Mayor Greg York told the Norrods, “On behalf of New Castle, we are proud that you are New Castle citizens.”
Logan and Emily Norrod receiving Logan’s recognition for saving the 8 year old boy.
Friends of Bundy
Judy Hubbard came to speak for Friends of Bundy. The group has been working on collecting donations for the renovation of Bundy Auditorium.
Hubbard said New Castle Schools are investing $3.1 million towards the renovation; the bids went over budget by $1.1 million.
So, Friends of Bundy has been trying to raise $100,000 to get needed equipment such as lighting and monitors. They have raised just over $80,000 at this time.
Hubbard came to the meeting to ask the city council if they had any money they could donate towards the renovation.
“We ask the city council if you could invest in the future of the arts in our community,” she said.
City Council President Rex Peckinpaugh discussed adding an item on next month’s meeting agenda about donating to Friends of Bundy. They also discussed having the finance committee take Hubbard’s request under advisement.
Resolutions
Peckinpaugh read a resolution authorizing up to $5,000 to be used on two air quality sensors for the city from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
The council approved the resolution unanimously.
The council agreed to table a resolution authorizing the expenditure of revenue allocated to the city’s riverboat fund.
Ordinances
Two ordinances were read for the first time at Monday’s meeting.
The first ordinance that was read was an amendment to Section 95.16 of New Castle city code. The amendment would state that when someone recklessly, negligently, or intentionally damages or takes a city toter, they will be responsible for the cost of fixing or replacing the toter.
If they use city utilities, the cost will be added to their utility bill. The user has 10 days after the written notice has been given to request a meeting with the city’s Utility Impact Review Board to contest the charges. The board unanimously approved to pass the ordinance on the first reading.
The second ordinance was the amendment of Section 152.25 of New Castle city code. This ordinance added the option of using a pool safety cover to private swimming pools for restricting access. Pools can also be surrounded by at least a four-foot fence or structure. The board unanimously approved to pass this ordinance on the first reading.
Council Reports
Council member Mike Guffey brought attention to the shelter house at Lowe Park. He said the shelter house’s door has been pried open, siding is missing, and the electrical panel door has been ripped off and has wires hanging out.
Guffey also brought up how semi-trucks are running over the curb and sidewalks and are tearing them up by I Avenue and 18th Street. York advised that citations could be written if the problems persisted.
Council member Jerry Walden said that New Castle city employees are doing awesome work at the Water Treatment plant.
He said, “These improvements are being made by the city workers and it’s saved a bookoo of money for us. It’s awesome work.”
Council member Aaron Dicken asked the council if there was anything they wanted added to the time capsule that will be buried for the Bicentennial.
Dicken joked, “Well, (Mayor’s Assistant) Kendra (Kennedy) and I will dig it up for ya in 2072.” The room was filled with laughter.
The time capsule from 1972 will be unearthed on June 4 at 6 p.m. at the Henry County CourtHouse in New Castle.
Council member Lynn Perdue told the council that the Trojan Lane Project has raised around $180,000 so far. They will start working on the landscaping in the next couple of weeks.
Street Commissioner Lee Walker told the council that his department has been putting down around six tons of hot mix a day.
He said, “We are trying to patch as many potholes as we can.”
Mayor York talked about the Fourth Friday events coming up, such as the donut eating contest, food trucks, and the Cook & Belle concert.
York continued to say that this week is National honor EMS and police officers week. The fire department is preparing a lunch for both police officers and EMS workers.
“If you see a police officer or EMS, give them a thumbs up. They deserve everything they get,” York said. “We’ve got a lot to be proud of in our community for all three of our professional services.”
The next New Castle City Council meeting will be June 6 at 6:30 p.m.