Kilgore officials will discuss downtowner's request for restitution
2009-10-10 / Front Page
Petition seeks redress for business lost because of construction
Kilgore city councilmen will consider and take action on a “Petition for Restitution” generated by downtown merchants when they meet Tuesday night.
Doyle Turner, pastor and owner of The Dove’s Kitchen on East Main Street, presented the petition with 21 signatures of downtown merchants to the council on Sept. 22. The petition requests $1,000 payments per month per business that is allegedly affected by the Main Street renovation project. The council referred the matter to city attorney Rob Schleier for consideration and said they would comment at the next regular meeting on Oct. 13.
Turner said downtown businesses have endured “all kinds of hardships,” including restricted parking and inadequate walkways across construction areas, because the work has not been performed as planned.
“We were told they would do one section at a time, however it hasn’t been done like that. If that plan had been followed, this petition would not exist,” Turner told the council.
Tim Hobbs, street department supervisor, will give an update on the downtown project at the start of the meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m.
Other action items on the agenda are to:
— Authorize the City Manager to execute Field Work Order #3 in the amount of $47,091.20, on the Kirkwood Addition: Street, Drainage and Utility Reconstruction project;
— Approve final payment of $90,442 and accept as complete the 2009 Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Contract;
— Discuss and seek guidance on developing guidelines for “natural zones” where vegetation is not required to be maintained;
— Discuss, receive guidance and seek authorization on changing the method and provider by which the city currently purchases vehicle fuels; and
— Consider and take action on Resolution 09-21 authorizing an application for an ARRA/SECO grant.
Citizens are encouraged to address the council during the public forum held at the beginning of each meeting. Individual citizen comments are normally limited to five minutes (time limits can be adjusted by the mayor).
In executive session, the council will discuss possible acquisition of real estate regarding expansion of the water distribution system.
Post new comment