Council Considering Elevator in Community Center

The is considering a different use for the $62,000 Community Development Block Grant.

While originally planning to use the funds to make the gazebo more handicap accessible, the terms of the grant indicate that there has to be an architectural barrier that needs to be removed in order for the project to qualify for funding—a $121,000 project.

The funds could be also be used towards the construction of a new entrance and elevator in the , a project which will also exceed $100,000.

Since plans for a streetscape project had originally included renovations to the gazebo, the council may address the handicap accessibility issue that way.

“It makes sense to tear up that park and gazebo area once,” said councilman Brad Jacob at Monday night's work session. “Rather than tearing it up for the streetscape project and then again for the handicap accessibility changes.”

Either way, the current deadline for using the block grant funds—and completing the project of choice—is April 30, 2012.

“Moving the budget along is the priority,” said councilman Tim Faricy. “We need more information before we make any decisions.”

The council is hoping to vote on the matter at the May 9 meeting.

Electronic poll books for city of Fenton voting

Come November, Fenton will have a new system for registering voters for its elections. The city council approved the implementation of an electronic poll book system. While voters will still fill out paper ballots, the registration and recording of their votes will be entered onto computers. Instead of entering in voter information by hand, their ID's will be swept electronically to record their voter ID's.

Since a grant is available now through the Help America Vote Act to purchase the equipment—five laptops—the city council plans to apply.

“It's not a mandatory method yet,” said Jennifer Naismith, city clerk. “But I'm sure it will be ultimately so we may as well take advantage of the grant funds that are available to us.”

Education policy for city of Fenton employees

Fenton Mayor Sue Osborn voiced her interest in altering the conditions under which city employees can take advantage of paid education.

“The city is paying for employees to continue their education and I would like a guarantee that we get the bang for our buck before they move to another community,” said Osborn.

Specifically, making sure the employee stays on for a certain number of years or pays back the money spent on his or her education would be added to the terms.

The council agreed to talk to a lawyer to address the wording.

Southern Lakes Parks and Recreation to Lease Old Depot Building

Because of cutbacks, is working towards consolidating staff into one building and plans to lease the old depot building in town.

The building hasn't been used in three years and the council agreed it would benefit them to have someone in the building on a regular basis. The organization would still have an office in the community center for registration.