Columbia’s Sherman Lake making progress
by joni taylor
Richard Meredith updated the town council on the progress of Sherman Lake at the regularly scheduled meeting for the Town of Columbia on May 12. Meredith said the Corp of Engineers had already put out a public notice three weeks ago and it should close on May 17. The application with the Tensas Levee Board should not be a problem as they usually follow suit with the Corp. He said they are working on questions the DEQ (Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality) has concerning storm drainage. Meredith felt the permits should all be in hand by the end of the summer.
Of the three proposed ordinances two passed while one did not. Ordinance 2015-1 which Amended and supplemented Ordinance 2008-1, concerning Video Bingo, did not pass. Ordinance 2015-2 for the Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 2015-2016 was passed. Ordinance 2015-3 which defined vehicles on property in town limits as abandoned, junk or nuisance was passed.
The minutes from the meeting held on April 14 were adopted. The minutes from a meeting held on May 11 were adopted.
Bids were received and opened for the work to repair the Boat Dock in Columbia. A bid from Robert Cotton was received for $25,000.00. The second and last bid received for the repairs was from John Cagle in the amount of $6,722.00. The council voted to accept the bid from John Cagle.
An occupational license was applied for and received for Vintage Soul Boutique, owned by Storey Bradford. The new business will be located at the old flower shop on Hwy 165.
Beth Hefner requested that the 200 block of Main Street (in front of the courthouse) be closed on June 13. Mrs. Hefner said that Main Street was going to have a rummage sale to benefit their program. The cost would be $10.00 for the day from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. If it is raining on the 13th the date would be moved to the 20th. Individuals, business and churches are welcome. Contact Beth at 649-2138 for more details. Mrs. Hefner said that RIG (Redevelopment Incentive Grant) for the Historical Business District is in. The grants are for businesses that may need their façade fixed. The owners must match the funds. You can contact the Beth at the Main Street Program for more information.
Kacey Nelson, with Schepis, said the Blend of the River did really well and made $3,450.00 after expenses. The Schepis will be offering an Art Camp for kids June 1-3 for 3-6 graders from 10-1, from June 3-5 for 7-8 graders from 1-4 pm. The fee for the camp will be $30.00. For more information call 649-9931 and ask for Kacey.
Jacob Dillehay of Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix and Hixson spoke before the council concerning the new water well. He said that they have sent out contracts to the contractors and believe they should go to construction in June.
The next regularly scheduled meeting for the Town of Columbia will be held on June 9 at 5:00 p.m.
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