The Collegedale Commissioners on Monday night were given updates on several projects that are currently in the works. The city’s dog park is off Apison Pike at the east end of the Wolftever Greenway by the Nature Nook. Collegedale received an economic development grant that is being used to make improvements to the park that is several years old. A drinking fountain has been added for the pups and several new benches will be installed for their owners. Opening day for the renewed park will be April 1 at 1:30.
Work on Prospect Church Road is getting started.
Two small bridges will be removed, the road will be widened and two culverts will take the place of the bridges. This project was included in this year's budget. Currently, right-of-ways are being acquired, said Wayon Hines, the city engineer. Construction should begin this summer, he said.
Property at 10749 Lee Highway near the Bradley County line has been used as a “borrow pit,” where dirt has been removed to be used elsewhere. The owners of near-by houses have been complaining about the work that has devalued their property. Since the last meeting, Collegedale has investigated and found that the work has never been permitted. City Manager Ted Rogers said any work on that property will now be regulated by the city.
Collegedale Airport Director Chris Swain told the commissioners that an amendment is being made to a grant for designing a culvert that will go underneath a runway. The amended grant will cover the final design in preparation for the bid process of the last portion of the culvert. The grant is a 95/5 percent split. Collegedale will receive $49,641 from the grant and will be responsible for only $2,483.
In his financial report, the city manager said revenue has been coming in exactly as expected. At 60 percent of the way through the year, the city has spent 60 percent of the budgeted amount. However, only 45 percent of expected revenues have been received. He said typically the largest source of income is property taxes and most are paid in January and February. A deficit is expected until March when the majority of property taxes will have been received.
Mayor Katie Lamb said that the shredding truck will be available at city hall on April 21 from 3-6 p.m.