Demorest City Council members again discussed possibilities to offer more parking for city residents in and around the downtown area. Councilman Nathan Davis revisited the idea of expanding parking in front of the post office which would also eliminate a drainage issue.
It would include removing a portion of the brick sidewalk and the drainage pipe that runs across it.
Councilman Bruce Harkness asked the council if they would consider putting a sign on Massachusetts Boulevard limiting the amount of time available to park on the street.
“Right now they’re being utilized largely, frankly, as faculty parking,” said Mayor Rick Austin.
“This is an issue I get called about every week about … no parking down Massachusetts,” Harkness said.
In other business the council:
• Heard Public Works Director Bryan Popham say they received a water audit score of 75/100. Popham said this places them in the top 10% in the state. For reference, he said an 82 is considered a high score. Popham said this is the highest score the department has ever had;
• Met again with President and CEO of Prime Community Management Luke Lovell who plans to add more manufactured homes to the area formerly known as TJ’s manufacture home community on Kim Loop Road. Lovell said the next step is to acquire easements for the sewer expansion;
• Approved Lawrence Bridges has the newest member of the DDA;
• Heard Demorest Wo-man’s Club Vice President Sue Bearden request the club’s monthly city water bills be eliminated since the city uses their building during elections and any other time necessary. “The only question from a legal stand point is does it constitute a gratuity? Which would be affected by state law,” Austin said.