Pikeville officials reject fireworks
By Laura Collins
Published in News on September 8, 2010 2:24 PM
Last update on: September 8, 2010 2:26 PM
PIKEVILLE -- Officials agreed Tuesday night to make sewer, sidewalk and street improvements to the town, but decided fireworks will not be in the town's budget next year.
As early as the end of this week or the start of next week, repairs will begin on a hole in the sewer line near Northwest Railroad Street and a collapsed sewer line in front of Pikeville Insurance on Southwest Railroad Street.
The Pikeville Town Board also voted in favor of replacing the sidewalk beginning at the corner of Church and Railroad streets and stretching about 128 feet.
"There is no repair to that sidewalk (that can be done). This is to replace it," Town Administrator Kathie Fields said.
Some of the sidewalk that will be replaced runs in front of board member Todd Anderson's home. Although replacing sidewalks are the town's responsibility, Anderson asked to be assessed half of the cost for the portion that runs in front of his house.
Commissioners also supported paving repairs that were needed as a result of the town's utility cuts.
"We (have) got to fix some of this stuff. We just can't keep letting it slide," Commissioner Lymon Galloway said.
Also at the meeting, the board decided to no longer pay in full for the fireworks used at the town's Fourth of July celebration, which is sponsored by the Lions Club. The fireworks used at this year's celebration cost the town $3,000. Anderson said he would work with the club to help create a plan to raise the money, but that the town itself can no longer foot the bill.
Commissioner Ward Kel-lum, however, suggested that the town could still pay for a portion of the cost. Board members decided that the wording of the motion would indicate that at this time the town does not plan on paying for the fireworks.
In other board news, the town's annual Summer Blast in the Park is set to be held Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. There will be vendors, food, games, a car cruise-in and fireworks. The event will also serve as a Sept. 11 remembrance of police, military, firefighters and other emergency personnel.
Also, the fall clean-up day will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 27. Pikeville residents can leave anything but paint and chemicals out for pickup.