Columbia residents will soon be able to recycle on Saturdays.
The Columbia Board of Aldermen voted to open the recycling center on old Foxworth Road from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. It will also be open from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Fridays.
“We encourage people to bring their plastic bottles, newspapers, books and cardboard,” Mayor Justin McKenzie said. “The items being recycled help save our environment and reduce the cost on the city for disposal of garbage.”
The Board also voted unanimously to hire Michael Kelly, a certified law enforcement officer, as the city’s code enforcement officer.
“He will work a part-time schedule enforcing city ordinances such as trash in yards, junk cars, sidewalks, overgrown grass and bushes and more,” McKenzie said. “He will be able to identify places that are in violation of city ordinances. He will report directly to the mayor and will work hand in hand with Building Inspector Lonnie Stringer.”
The Board also discussed street repairs to be funded through the water department due to the fact the paving is needed because of digging from water leaks.
“Exact spots have not been identified yet,” McKenzie said.
City Engineer Sean Burns told the Board he would inspect the streets and come back to the Board with a list of work that needed to be completed.
“We need to get a feel of how many we are looking at,” Ward 3 Alderwoman Anna Evans said.
City Attorney Lawrence Hahn said the city could bid out a project and then add change orders if other spots were discovered. The Board may discuss the project further at its meeting Tuesday. McKenzie said it would be up to the Board to prioritize the areas for the work. Dungan Engineering would be hired to oversee the project and collect bids.
The Board also approved Dungan Engineering to assist Slaughter and Associates with work needed to research annexation. The Board authorized up to $5,000 to be spent on the work.
The Board also approved several actions in regard to the Columbia Police Department, including the resignation of officer Delandoe Watts and promotions of Jeff Smith to lieutenant and Jason Cook, Nate Cook and Peggy Foster to sergeant.
The Columbia Board of Aldermen next meets in regular session at 4 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. n
