The Cleveland City Council began their voting meeting Monday afternoon by giving special recognition to Claudine Ensley for her 45 years of service as a crossing guard. She began her career at Blythe Avenue Elementary and was later transferred to Blythe Bower Elementary.

 Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland stated, “One of the most difficult jobs in the city in my opinion is being a lady who helps school children grow up safely and cross the street safely. It doesn’t matter if it’s during snow, sleet, rain, hail or whatever. I’ve known Mrs. Ensley for so long and she’s there no matter what the weather conditions are. I told her if she would stay, I’d go and help her.

When she asked what about on the days when it’s cold weather, raining or snowing, I told her I wouldn’t be there on those days, but I’d be glad to help her on any other day. She has dedicated 45 years of service to the young people in our community. We are so glad and thankful she is in our lives and will continue to be in our lives as she enjoys her retirement.”

 One of the questions on Mrs. Ensley’s application from 1967 was, how long do you plan on staying with the department? Her answer was, until I’m too old. Mayor Rowland presented her with a gift on behalf of the council and the city of Cleveland. She received a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.

 There were 20 items unanimously approved on the consent agenda. Among those were bid reports for construction of the South Cleveland Community Center Pool and Splash Park. Resolutions authorizing the mayor to sign a contract with local company Tri-Con, Inc. for the construction were later unanimously approved. Tri-Con, Inc.’s bid for construction of the pool was $529,500 and $147,000 for the Splash Park with CDBG funding $109,000 of the project, leaving a balance of $38,000.

 Other items approved include the following:

 -          Final Passage - Ordinance No: 2012-02 – Amending the Municipal Code, Title 14 Chapter 2, Zoning Regulations Section 5.0 to increase the allowable size of on-site interstate-oriented signs.

-          Resolution No: 2012-08 – Renaming Industrial Park Access Road to be Life Bridges Lane.

-          Resolution No: 2012-18 – Request by TDOT to amend Resolution No: 2011-111 so that no matching funds are required from Cleveland and Bradley County (New interchange on APD40).

-          Resolution No: 2012-19 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign an amended contract with TDOT concerning renovations to the historic Depot.

-          Resolution No: 2012-20 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign a proposal with TDOT for the new interchange on SR 311 at Stone Lake Extension.

-          Resolution No: 2012-21 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign an amended contract with the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland, Inc. for the Targeted Crime Reduction Grant.

-          Resolution No: 2012-23 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract with Steve Williams Construction, LLC for the construction of Harriman Road (LIC South).

-          Resolution No: 2012-28 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign an amended contract with the Bradley County Juvenile Court for the Targeted Crime Reduction Grant.

 In new business the Cleveland City Council unanimously approved a resolution concerning the Plan of Service for the annexation of approximately 263 acres on Durkee Road NE between Waterlevel Hwy and Benton Pike NE and the remainder of the parcel between Pirkle Road NE and Michigan Avenue Rd NE. They also unanimously approved an ordinance concerning the annexation and zoning of that area.

 Councilman Bill Estes made a motion to adopt a debt policy and competitively bid out all debt issues. He said, “There is no purchase we make that is more expensive than debt. For us not to competitively bid is hypocritical. We are mudding up the issue with using a financial advisor versus bidding out debt.”

 The motion passed 4 to 3, but Mayor Rowland vetoed the vote.

 A resolution for grant approval to the Board of Public Utilities to institute eminent domain proceedings to obtain waterline easement also passed unanimously.

 The council made a final decision on the winner of the slogan contest for the City of Cleveland. A motion was passed to approve “The City With Spirit” as the official city slogan. The winner that submitted the entry will receive a check for $1,000.

 Cleveland City offices will be closed next Monday in observance of President’s Day.

 The Cleveland City Council will hold its next voting meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m.