Downtown Chenoa will be spruced up with a mural following action by the Chenoa City Council Tuesday evening.
Council members voted to set aside $5,000 of hotel occupancy tax funds to be used for a mural restoration along Veto Street on the side of the building which currently houses a photography business.
“They’re trying to get murals all up and down Route 66,” explained local resident John Cerda.
The money is expected to help cover tuck pointing work on the building.
“This artist just got done doing a full building side at the Dwight VFW of an eagle,” explained Sarah Michaels.
Michaels reported the current building owner is excited about the mural.
“We are focusing on this for tourism,” she added.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the Chenoa City Council approved an agreement with Farnsworth for the Parks Master Planning Project.
“Adjustments have been made,” explained City Attorney Steve Mann. “As long as you guys are good with costs, I think it is ready to go.”
The council approved demolishing a city-owned house at 318 Franklin and approved a bid from Lee Farms for $17,000. The garage will remain.
“I think this is the best way to go on this,” said Mayor David Shane.
There was discussion about replacing a city vehicle, though no action was taken. Mayor Shane likes buying from a dealership because there is backing behind it. He was looking into a pickup truck purchase after consulting with nearby dealerships and checking online. The issue will be brought up at another meeting.
Police Chief Travis Cornwall presented information on license plate reader cameras which can track plates and help with vehicle descriptions. While they are not revenue generators, they can help solve crimes.
“They’re not cheap,” admitted Cornwall.
It is around $3,000 a camera and the camera company assists with grants and funding later. This would be for main roads such as Routes 24 and 66.
“We are paying for a subscription fee; we are basically subscribing to the data,” added Cornwall.
No action was taken as this was strictly informational to gauge interest from the council at this point.
Commissioner Hernandez reported work has started on Sheridan as a property is getting cleaned up.
Commissioner Lopeman said a spray patch list has been given to the contractor along with information on priority roads. His department is getting a work list together on trees and stumps and leaf collection will soon be starting.
Mayor Shane said he was planning to attend a “coffee and conversation” event with State Sen. Tom Bennett in Forrest. He also noted they are trying to get the TP&W railroad crossing fixed on Old Route 66.
Minutes of the previous Sept. 10 meeting were approved along with executive session minutes and the bills were authorized.
