The LaBelle City Commissioners appointed Preston Long as a variance board member, heard citizens concerns about speed bumps on Holly Avenue, heard a request to insert a 24-inch pipe in an alley way by Aqua Aisles, and approved several resolutions at the Commission Meeting on April 12. The Commission declared May 25, 2018 as Don Davis Day.

Former City Planner Shellie Johnson requests to insert a 24-inch pipe in an alley by Aqua Isles for the Belle Arbor PUD on April 12. (Submitted photo/Megan Nicole Narehood)

The Commissioners appointed Preston Long to become a variance board member. The motion passed 4-0.

Susan Nichols, resident at 516 Holly Avenue, spoke to the Commission about her concerns with the speed bumps placed on her street last year. “There are just too many speed bumps,” said Mrs. Nichols, “you have to come to a complete stop to go over them.” She asked the board if it was possible to lower the speed bumps or eliminate one of them. A motion was made for Commissioner Akin and Terry Woods to survey the neighborhood to determine what action to take regarding the speed bumps. The motion passed 4-0.

Finance Director Ron Zimmerly asked the Commission to approve Resolution 2018-01 an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy is a requirement of the Community Block Grant. Zimmerly said the attorney already reviewed the resolution. Resolution 2018-01 passed 4-0. Resolution 2018-02 is a procurement policy specifically related to the Community Involvement Block Grant. Zimmerly said the attorney reviewed as well. “When grantors come to do an audit, they need to see this paperwork in the file,” said Zimmerly. Resolution 2018-02 passed 4-0. Resolution 2018-03 amends the budget to account for the funds received from the Community Development Block Grant and identifies the grant by the grant number and that the city received a notice of award. “It adds $700,000 to the budget and makes the total city budget 9.2 million dollars from 8.5 million dollars,” said Zimmerly. Resolution 2018-03 passed 4-0. Resolution 2018-04 to honor Don Davis for his contributions to the Hendry LaBelle recreation board and 14 years as a county commissioner and name May 25, 2018 Don Davis Day. The motion passed 4-0.

Melissa Muzak from Swamp Cabbage Festival Committee requested Tuesday, February 19 for their street fest. There was some concern the date would conflict with the Chamber of Commerce’s Night on the Town. A motion was made to approve the request pending coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and passed 4-0.

Shellie Johnson spoke regarding the Belle Arbor PUD. She requested to use an alley way that runs along the west side of Aqua Isles to insert a 24-inch pipe to treat and discharge water. “The size of the pipe is small in relation to the width of the alley,” said Johnson, “it will save a lot of time in the permitting process.” Johnson’s request to allow Belle Abor PUD to use the existing alleyway and insert a 24-inch pipe passed 4-0.