Byrnes Mill Prepares Fall Festival Backup as Construction Wrap Up Continues
With the Byrnes Mill Fall Festival approaching on Oct. 3, city officials are beginning to consider a backup location as construction continues around the Hagemeister House in the southern portion of Byrnes Mill Park.
The Hagemeister House and surrounding area are currently scheduled to host the Fall Festival, but ongoing work connected to the Jefferson County Public Sewer District has officials watching the calendar closely.
During the latest Board of Aldermen meeting, city officials received an update on the project and discussed whether the construction area and grounds will be ready in time for the festival.
If the park cannot be prepared in time, officials discussed moving the festival to the parking lot surrounding Byrnes Mill City Hall and the Byrnes Mill Police Department.
The City Hall and police department property would serve as a backup rather than canceling or significantly altering the Oct. 3 event.
Recent dry weather has also affected efforts to restore portions of the grounds disturbed during the work. Officials said seed has been put down, but grass growth has been slow. Recent rainfall could help improve conditions as the festival gets closer.
For now, the Fall Festival remains planned for the Hagemeister House area in the southern portion of Byrnes Mill Park. City officials, however, appear prepared to move activities to the City Hall and police department parking lot if construction or ground conditions make the original location impractical.
Trash Contract RFP Being Prepared
The board also continued preparing for an upcoming request for proposals for the city's trash service.
City staff provided the board with information from previous RFPs and began reviewing questions and service requirements that could be included when companies are asked to submit proposals.
Part of that conversation focused on services residents may already be entitled to but may not realize are included.
Officials discussed large-item disposal and questioned whether residents are aware that certain large household items can be collected as part of the city's trash service. The board also discussed scheduled yard waste collection and the importance of making residents more aware of what services are available and how they are requested.
The discussion could lead the city to place greater emphasis on communicating available services when the next contract is awarded.
Broken Equipment Delays Grass and Weed Work
Residents may also notice some delays in grass cutting and weed maintenance around the city after a piece of public works equipment was temporarily taken out of service.
Officials said the glass windshield on equipment used for cutting and trimming around the city shattered, apparently after being struck by a rock or other debris.
The damaged glass interrupted mowing and trimming work, and rain that followed created another delay.
Aldermen discussed possible ways to prevent the problem from happening again.
The equipment presents an unusual challenge because its cutting arm can move vertically as well as horizontally to follow the contours of areas being maintained. Officials said some traditional protective systems could interfere with that movement.
Police Department Collecting School Supplies
Police Chief Selvaggio also provided several updates from the Byrnes Mill Police Department, including the department's school supply collection efforts.
Selvaggio said collected supplies would be delivered in the coming days to help students in the Northwest School District.
The department has worked with the district to help get those supplies where they are needed, continuing a partnership between local first responders and area schools.
Selvaggio told alderpersons that additional training should be completed within the next several weeks. He also discussed an upcoming safety conference in California where the department is expected to receive recertification and recognition. The trip is being paid for through grant funding.
Planning is also beginning for the city's National Night Out activities, which Selvaggio said are scheduled for Sept. 15.
The police updates drew thanks from city officials, who recognized the department's continued work with the school district and community.
Between preparing for the Oct. 3 Fall Festival, reviewing the city's next trash contract, catching up on public works maintenance, and continuing community programs through the police department, much of the meeting focused on preparations and services residents are likely to see over the coming weeks.