Rich Lindsey gave a comprehensive radio system update to the council. He is with the Cherokee Public Communication. He said they need a new updated system. The original was built in 2015 and it cost a million dollars. This system serves all public safety and school systems in Cherokee County. The current system does perform well right now but it does have weak spots. There is no redundancy with other towers in the neighboring area. This project would add a third tower site. It will cover a huge area of Cherokee County and will cover most dead spots. It also would pick up other sites if they go down.
This backup would improve building coverage. Lindsey also said it has taken nearly a year for a million dollar quote. They want to use the American Rescue Plan money. Lindsey said the City of Centre would have a onetime cost of $124, 200 dollars this would complete the million dollar fee for the new radio system. It will take at least one year to get it into operation. Mayor Mansfield said they will discuss this at the next budget meeting.
Also, the Kaiser Mart, LLC , at 1500 Chestnut Bypass Unit A, in Centre , requested a retail liquor, wine and beer off premises (Package Store) which the council approved.
The Street Department requested new garbage dumpsters at a cost of $9,000 and it passed.
The Council discussed Country Club Lights but they need to wait on the Cherokee Electric Coop to look at it.
The Interim Fire Chief, Robert Pace, said they need new gloves and hoods and the cost is $ 1,649,76 and it passed. The money will come from the American Rescue money. They council also commended the Interim Chief on the job he is doing.
Police Officer Riley Combs spoke about the purchasing of radio batteries for the Fire and Police Department for $2200 which was approved. He also spoke about the police metal detector that does not work. A new one would cost $5800 and would take 4-7 weeks to get it after they order it. This passed and will come from the rescue money.
The next City Council meeting will be in two weeks.
