Kilgore pool gets partial face lift
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

An expanded parking lot at Kilgore City Pool will have to wait for another budget year.

Tim Hobbs, street superintendent, reported to city council last night that Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is no longer furnished by Texas Department of Transportation for city projects, other than state highways.

This means the city is forced to forego one project in favor of another.

Meadowbrook Park, on Houston Street, has been slated for a one-way-in one-way-out parking lot since fall of last year. The cost of this project has doubled since TxDOT will no longer provide RAP.

Hobbs said he is hopeful construction at Meadowbrook Park will be complete by the end of may.

Projects that are still underway at the city pool include a new concession area, general cleanup as well as fresh paint and window repairs.

According to Mike Green, director of community services, pool schedules are being reviewed for swimming instruction and free swim times.

Green said the pool is tentatively scheduled to open May 24.

Council approved a permit to obstruct the sidewalk at 110 North Kilgore St. with the construction of a above-sidewalk gallery. The ordinance allows the city manager to make a de- cision of this nature, but Jeff Howell, city manager, said this particular decision was best made by city council as a whole.

"This portion of the ordinance pertains to temporary obstructions, like sidewalk sales, this is more of an encroachment on the public right of way with a permanent structure," Howell said.

Harry Crouse, owner of 110 and 103 North Kilgore and the Shop at 205, was present for discussion.

Joe Parker, mayor, was in favor of the erection of the gallery.

"I think we have all seen the work Harry has done on Kilgore Street with his other buildings," Parker said. "I know that this balcony will be done just as tastefully."

Council also approved a license and variance for a manufactured home park on property at the intersection of FM 349 and FM 2087.

The property totals 7.12 acres and by city ordinance should total 10 acres for a manufactured home park. Council agreed to grant a variance and a license.

Dennis McFaddin and Dennis McFaddin Jr., property owners and developers, plan 56 lots for the park.

Council also approved moving forward with submission of a grant application for Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant (AFG) for Operations and Firefighters Safety Program in the amount of $210,000.

Ronnie Moore, director of public safety, said the grant will fund new thermal imaging equipment and bunker gear.

The next meeting of Kilgore City Council is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 at Kilgore City Hall in Council Chambers.