(The Patterson City Council discussed and/or voted on the following items during their monthly meeting Thursday, October 10. ) U.S. Highway 84/Circle K: The council approved rezoning a tract on U.S. Highway 84 between Circle K and Dollar General for an expansion of the Circle K store. A public hearing was held before the vote. (See related story.)
Closed session: The city council adjourned into a five minute closed session to discuss personnel. No action was taken following the closed session.
Trick or Treat night: The council agreed to set Patterson’s trick or treat night for 5:30-8 p.m. Halloween, Thursday, October 31.
Department reports: Police Chief Nick Strickland reported his department responded to 47 calls for service in September. Strickland is also acting as public works superintendent and fire chief while Public works superintendent and fire chief Stevie Sweat is out on medical leave. Strickland said public works is making plans to tackle removing the “overwhelming” amounts of debris left behind in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Strickland said the city is currently investigating ways to bring in extra help and apply for funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with clean up. Councilman Jake Echols said he had recently visited with Sweat and he is doing some better. Assistant City Clerk Tina White had nothing to report.
Tyre Bridge Road comments: Resident Myra Vanessa James asked for an update on efforts to improve safety measures on Tyre Bridge Road. Mayor Dedi Thomas and Assistant clerk Tina White gave the update. New, larger stop signs are in, but public works delayed installing them due to the approach of Hurricane Helene. A contract for road striping on has been signed. Rumble strips will be added as soon as the city finds a contractor with the equipment to install it. James also asked for an update on the 60 Foot Creek Bridge. Echols, the contractor on the company, said the bridge is in place, but some re-working on rumble strips and paving remains to be done before the project is complete and the road is re-opened.
General comments: Council members thanked Strickland and all city employees for going above and beyond the call of duty to help citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Next meeting: The next regular monthly meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, November 14. The meeting will be held at Eagle Station.
