P.J. Hanley Becomes President Of Bourbon Town Council
P.J. Hanley Becomes President Of Bourbon Town Council
Posted
Carol Anders-
P.J. Hanley Becomes President Of Bourbon Town CouncilBOURBON – The Bourbon Town Council will begin 2019 with a new president.
P.J. Hanley will take over the duties officially, but will be out of the country when the council meets in January.
The council usually reorganizes during the first meeting in a new year, but the agenda addition to elect a president was moved to Tuesday’s meeting when all three members would be present.
The council voted unanimously at the meeting to give all town employees a 2 percent salary increase. Last year, the increase was 3 percent, but Hanley explained that health insurance costs have risen 14 percent and they are only able to offer the 2 percent increase. Hanley said the town has been paying all of the insurance premiums for employees, but that employees will be responsible for a very small percentage of the premiums in 2019.
A revised trash ordinance with Republic Services will mean a small monthly increase for household trash pickup. According to Kim Berger, clerk-treasurer, the fee will go from $14.60 per month to $14.82.
The council issued a reminder for town residents to register with at the clerk’s office if they want to be a part of the Christmas decorating contest. Those wanting to compete will need to have their lighting on by 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Berger said they will continue to sign up any residents within the town limits until the contest date.
Judging the contest will be Tony Wagner, along with several members of his family and friends. For many years, the late Mark Wagner and several family members, including his grandchildren, had judged the annual event. The council asked the Wagner family to continue the tradition of judging.
The council approved a lease of 74 acres for farming with Chad Nifong. The new lease will be in effect until Jan. 31, 2021.
Robin Racolta spoke briefly to the council concerning planters that are being proposed for the downtown area.
According to Racolta, the planters are financed by local businesses. At this time, there is consideration of increasing the size of the planters and purchasing about half of the number of those used through the spring, summer and fall seasons in 2018. The council agreed to provide winter storage for the planters.
Those wanting to participate or having questions are asked to contact Racolta at Robin’s Nest at 342-0300.
The council had an informal discussion concerning the equipment from companies that lease space on the town’s tower. It was noted that the Bourbon signage can no longer be seen and that the companies involved could rearrange their equipment to make the signage visible.
