Christian Peterson
reporter@riverbendnews.org
On Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Live Oak City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting began by introducing the new fire chief, Sid Hayes, along with Deputy Chief Kyle Nickerson and the new fire inspector, Ted Williams. “They're doing a good job taking care of all that,” City Manager Larry Sessions said. “Y'all will be in good hands.”
The floor then opened up to public comment. Terry McCoy was the first to speak, voicing his displeasure with the water at his hair salon being shut off even though he thought he had paid
the bill. He requested the city be more proactive when a bill has yet to be paid. McCoy suggested the city call people to inform them about their outstanding payments so others don't go through
the same problem he did. Sessions told McCoy that he had directed his public works director to review the accounts before shutting off the water, and any commercial accounts should receive a call.
Following the section outlined for public comment, the council discussed applicants for seat six of the City of Live Oak Community Redevelopment Agency Board. After hearing from each applicant, the council decided to reappoint Cindy Robinson to the position.
This was quickly followed by Councilman Tommie Jefferson proposing a budgeted plan of $40,000 for each district to help repair sidewalks throughout the city. Sessions stated that, while it was a good idea, each council member should come to him about what they needed, and the matters would be handled in budget workshops; Jefferson agreed.
Councilwoman Lynda Ownes then voiced her concerns about parking in the downtown area of Live Oak. She explained how the parking situation was hurting businesses in the area because they are being blocked by vehicles, or people are unable to park near the businesses. Sessions told the council he would be meeting with the Department of Transportation the next day about the parking downtown.
Sessions then presented a few items to the council. The first was a resolution authorizing the appropriation of utility reserve funds of $37,000 for new utility infrastructure. This would allow the City of Live Oak to finish the Maple Street project. The council approved the appropriation. He then presented a resolution from Suwannee Parks and Recreation to apply for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant for Heritage Park and Gardens as reimbursement. This resolution was also approved. The meeting was then adjourned.
The next Live Oak City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall, located at 101 White Ave. SE, in Live Oak.