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Huntingdon Council Approves Tennis Court Renovations

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The Huntingdon City council met Tuesday evening, September 25, with a short but busy agenda of actions.
Council members unanimously approved the lone bid submitted for the restoration project for the tennis courts at Veteran’s Park. Barton Sports Construction submitted two bids which were both approved. The first was a base bid of $36,000 for restoring the tennis courts and an alternate bid of $2,500 to turn two of the courts from East/West to North/South.
Mayor Kelley advised the council that town employees will perform demolition and concrete work for the Alternate I portion if it is approved. He also advised that there is $27,000 in commitments from citizens and businesses for this project and anticipates more funding will be received. Kelley indicated if the bid is approved that the project could be completed in time for the start of Huntingdon High School’s tennis season in the spring.
The council also unanimously approved submitting a grant application for a Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant. This grant would provide funds to relieve flooding issues. Mayor Kelly announced there were three different projects under consideration for the grant: enlarging culverts and replacing Williams Street bridge, buyout of three homes in the flood plain, and raising a section of 3rd Avenue.
The “Contract in Lieu of Performance Bond” for the financial assurance of the closure/post closure of the Huntingdon Landfill was amended to show the annual inflation adjustment to the town’s liability amount. According to Mayor Kelly, the original agreement was signed in 1995 in the amount of $645,872 as the town’s assurance in the event of a problem during the 30-year post-closure period. Over the years, the 1995 obligation has been reduced to $94,097.30 through the annual inflation reductions. The current year reduction is $10,280.13 leaving the liability amount at $83,817.17. Kelley stated. “Closing the landfill was one of the best things the town ever did.”

Councilmembers approved the use of the Kelley Complex baseball park for a fundraiser baseball tournament October 27-28 for the Gamer’s baseball team. The team is made up of Huntingdon kids in the 12u age group that will be competing in Cooperstown next summer.
In other council action, a Huntingdon senior was awarded a commendation plaque for winning the design contest for The Dixie’s new signs. (see related story.)
Mayor Kelley announced that the 26th Annual Heritage Festival was another successful event despite the weather. “I would like to express appreciation to town employees for going the extra mile to make the day a success and special recognition for the quick cleanup that took place after the festival.” Said Kelley.
Kelley also announced that the Huntingdon Special School District was one of 14 Exemplary School Districts and Huntingdon Middle School has earned Reward Status according to the Tennessee State Department of Education.
Event coordinators and participants were very complimentary of the 1000-acre lake and facilities during the recent Inaugural Dixie Triathlon held on Saturday, September 15. There were approximately 300 participants and was well attended by spectators according to Mayor Kelley.