The Ava Board of Aldermen voted to amend the zoning codes on four city properties Tuesday evening during the first business session to be held in March. The board also listened to reports provided by Judy Shields, director of the Chamber of Commerce, and Sherry Wallace, director of Ava City Parks.
The re-aligning of zoning codes encompassed properties on the west side of the Ava square. All of the parcels were changed from B2-Central Business District to B3-General Business District, and the locations were noted as: 100 SW 6th Street, owned by Nancy Parr and Ruth Ann Billado, successor co-trustees of Delmar Guthery; 109 SW 6th Street, owned by Nancy Parr and Ruth Ann Billado, successor co-trustees of Delmar Guthery; 501 West Washington, owned by Linda Coonts and Tanya Coonts; and 202 SW 6th Street, Mr. and Mrs. Burl Miller.
Chamber director Judy Shields presented an overview of office work activities for the past month, and provided council with up-to-date financial reports from the Ava Area Chamber of Commerce. The up-dated reports included a 3-month profit and loss statement; 2010-2011 year-to-date comparison; and check register details.
Shields noted ‘welcome to Ava’ packets have been placed around town where area newcomers and prospective residents will have access to the information.
At present, the Chamber has 135 paid memberships and has gained seven new team members in the last 2 ½ months.
Council was also invited to attend the Chamber’s annual membership and awards banquet to be held April 2. The theme for the Saturday event is “Masquerade Ball”.
Sherry Wallace, director of Ava parks, discussed an opportunity to partner with the health department and Smokebusters, a youth group, to initiate a program that may help isolate cigarette smoking in the park to designated areas. The program which is funded by grant money will provide signage for designated smoking areas, creating an impetus to contain cigarette trash to specific areas of the park. The program also provides a tool for Smokebusters to evaluate the efficacy of designated smoking areas and if these locations are a deterrent. Council okayed the signage.
Wallace also made a request for council members and city officials to consider upgrading the triangular parcel of land adjacent to the park on the south as an area for use. Incorporating the area would include creation of a parking lot, footbridge between park sites, vandal proof picnic tables, grills, a bench, and lighting, for an unverified cost of $8800 to $10,000. It was noted that at present, the lot is predominately a site for vandals and property abuse.
At the City Park, a beautification day is scheduled Saturday, April 2, and the annual Easter Egg hunt will be held Saturday, April 16, 4:00 p.m., in the lower tier.
During the meeting, a local resident voiced a complaint against a next door neighbor with a barking dog. Mayor Harris recommended the petitioner file a formal complaint with the Ava Police Dept., and the infringement will be investigated and ticketed.
