For months, discussions have swirled as to what the Cadiz City Council would end up using its ARPA funds for toward the prosperity and restoration of the community.
During Tuesday’s meeting, City Clerk Barbie Johnson iterated that — through the guidance of the Pennyrile Area Development District — those funds should be earmarked as a budget line item for payroll, which would then allow other city funds to be shifted to outlined projects.
Several ideas have been tossed about in previous meetings, including the purchase of the former CeeBee parking lot in downtown Cadiz and placing a 365-day community building on the property.
Johnson said the procurement of that location is already underway.
In the meantime, it seems likely that research and analysis for the best use of this location will continue in the coming weeks. Councilwoman Susan Bryant said she has had several citizens contact her about this potential project, many of them issuing that there are better ideas for the spot than another building.
Bryant’s suggestions included the construction of a summer splash pad, a skateboard park or a tennis court as better options to bring in new visitors to the area — while perhaps energizing locals.
Bryant, along with councilwoman Susie Hendricks, further iterated that the first thing the property needs is restrooms and ample parking. That spot is particularly inundated during the annual Country Ham Festival, and could easily serve as a hub before visitors trudge down to the West Cadiz Park or up to the antique extravaganza that is downtown Cadiz.
Hendricks added that a conversation with Parks & Recreation might open the web of ideas even further.
Councilmen Bob Noel and Brian Futrell added that they’d like to see a round-the-year use of the location, as opposed to something seasonal, and that there was no need to hurry in the expenditure.
In other council news:
— Outgoing Trigg County Chamber President and Leadership Chair Ashley Johnson reported that one bid was returned for the “Raise the Roof” project for the Cadiz Farmers’ Market, from Bluegrass Building and Construction, LCC, from Hopkinsville. With “add alternates,” like radiant heat, the cost would be $183,300, which she said is under projected price. She said a 16-foot ceiling might incur new costs during the construction costs, and a base bid with a simple structure would cost much less. Grant funds should bring the city’s capital to $187,000 for the project.
Johnson said the preliminary plan would be to move the current farmer’s market to the Junque Fest site until the project is completed. The contractor has a two-year window to work within the grant, but Johnson further noted the plan is to start “as soon as possible.”
Council members unanimously approved the bid.
— Cadiz Police Chief Duncan Wiggins noted that Sergeant Mike Phelps recently attended the Kentucky Post-Critical Incident Seminar in Lexington, and as a mentor for other officers involved in life-changing incidents like police-related shootings and violent crime investigations.
— Public Works Director Craig Oakley said the spraying for mosquitoes continues, and those interested in specific locations for treatment need to call either him directly or Cadiz City Hall to relay an address.
Oakley also noted that his office is currently taking bids on asphalt paving per ton, which cuts off July 15. He added that all of the new yellow safety mats have been installed along the Cadiz Rail Trail, and next Wednesday, the City of Cadiz will be donating two pallets of water to the City of Marion following this water shortage.
— Cadiz resident Janelle Halstead was introduced as the next Renaissance On Main director, and she’s already been making the rounds alongside Johnson at the Renaissance Stage, Junque Fest and the Cadiz Farmers’ Market. A graduate of Ivy Tech Community College, Ball State University and Western Governors University, she most recently served as a kindergarten teacher in Clarksville and is soon-to-be married. Upon return from a honeymoon, she said she’ll jump right into this year’s Country Ham Festival planning.
— Mayor Todd King was out with a death in the family, and Frankie Phillips was elected to serve as presiding for the conducting of business.
— And for the first time in 16 years, Cadiz City Attorney Allen Wilson chose not to wear a tie during the council meeting, citing excessive heat and humidity for his somewhat casual appearance. The council obliged, and Wilson’s lawyering abilities were unimpeded.
