Aberdeen Commissioners at their work session on Nov. 8 voted to save $95,000 by refurbishing a fire truck, approved a five-year lease and new public safety signs and park signs.
The town approved a budget amendment for fire department Squad 42 truck remount and refurbish at a cost of $80,000. Finance Director Butch Watson said refurbishing would save about $95,000 when compared to the price of a new $175,000 fire truck. They will take the body of an old truck, and put it on a new chassis.
During a discussion regarding approval of a five-year lease by the Town of Aberdeen for the property at 124 N. Poplar Street used by the police department while the new police department is under construction, Town Manager Paul Sabiston said the property was an ideal fit.
Sabiston said for the last 18 months, the police department has temporarily used the space, and public services needs more space. He said planning and zoning and building and inspections could be moved in with minimal changes.
The present lease is $1,800 with landscaping, and the new lease would be $2,000 with the town caring for the lawn. The space will also offer private meetings for elected officials and employees. Mayor Robert Farrell said to look at a long-term plan. A motion was made to have the town attorney draft a lease for the Poplar Street building.
In other meeting matters, the town approved a new sign for the Aberdeen Public Safety Complex that houses the new police station under construction and the fire station. The sign was presented by Assistant Manager and Fire Chief Phillip Richardson.
The town approved new park signs after a presentation by Parks and Recreation Director Adam Crocker. The Main Street Park sign will be 36 inches by 68 inches, and the Sharpe Park sign will be 24 inches by 48 inches.
Photo courtesy of Town of Aberdeen.
The town authorized the town attorney to file a civil action for a public nuisance relating to property located at 208 Benjamin Street. Sabiston said based on illegal activity going on at the property, the attorney may file a complaint for a consent judgment to allow the property owner to clean up the property.
“A path has been cut pretty clearly through the legislative steps,” Sabiston said. “It’s been a good project, and we’re turning the property around with a civil action.”
The owner lives in Texas and rents the property. Neighbors brought the illegal activity to the town’s attention.
The next Town of Aberdeen regular meeting is on Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. at 115 N. Poplar Street. Meetings are recorded and available on YouTube. Livestream viewing at the time of the meeting is available by clicking on the website’s homepage link, which appears a few moments before the meeting.
Feature photo: The town approved a new sign for the Aberdeen Public Safety Complex that houses the new police station and fire station. Courtesy photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Journalist Stephanie M. Sellers. Contact her at [email protected]
