The City of Atalissa is working to get residents a first-time multi-purpose recreation court to be built south of the city maintenance building on Cherry Street, just a couple doors north of the Atalissa Post Office, it was learned from the Monday, Aug. 14 meeting of the city council at city hall.
Mayor Angie Dickey said the city is going after grants and other sources of funding to finance the estimated $30,000 court that was initially set to be a basketball court but has ballooned into a multi-purpose court that could include facilities to play volleyball, tennis and pickleball. She said local foundations, utilities and businesses are being sought out for funding. The court would be built on a presently vacant lot nearly across from the city’s playground park to include cement and a drainage system.
City council members brought up the idea in the spring and sought bids and community input on the project, but when they saw the price tag and knew they only had about a $3,000 annual recreation budget, they decided to seek grants from five different entities and are having great success, according to the mayor.
“Oh my gosh, that’s a lot of money,” Dickey said of the project when she learned about the bid, noting the only other court in town is located at the Zion Lutheran Church, but said those basketball courts have seen better years.
The mayor said she hopes the project can get done this fall, pending weather and getting final approval on the grants, but said the project could definitely become a reality for residents. She credited the council for working together on the project.
In other business, a powerful thunderstorm a few weeks ago not only caused damage to a large tree next to the water tower on the northeast edge of Atalissa, but caused damage to the tower’s electrical panel. Latta Well and Pump of Wilton repaired the panel at a cost of $4,171. Water/sewer operator Matt Gooddale reported the tower continued to function due to a back-up generator as water continued to households and businesses. The mayor said the city is also obtaining bids to knock down the tree.
The city also approved to have the city attorney commence abandonment proceedings on the vacated property at 215 Cherry Street, which was the victim of a fire in recent months. The mayor said nothing has been done to the property since and noting the former business building/apartments aren’t safe and inquisitive residents need to stay out of the dangerous structure. She said the city is seeking a grant to tear down the structure.
Police Chief Matt Bowers said a new part-time officer, Zack Lane, is now patrolling the city along with part-time officer Mike Channon, who also gave a report on abatements in the city.
The city also approved the city clerk, Samantha Parry, to write off a utility bill for a vacated residence at 311 Fifth Street. It was noted the homeowner could not be located.
The council meets on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at city hall. Anyone is welcome to attend.