Goodman board to go after grant funds

Grant proposals topped the agenda for the Goodman Board of Aldermen on Tuesday evening.

A trio of grant proposals presented during a public hearing before the board’s regular agenda could help Goodman with streets, a new police department and finishing out the city’s shell of a community building.

Ownership for the unfinished building has been a topic of discussion for months. Originally, it was a project of the Goodman Betterment Club, but the group had insufficient funds to complete it and could not find a company that would insure the partially completed building. For nearly five years the building sat empty and they asked the city to assume ownership with the intent that the city would see to finishing the structure’s interior.

Betterment Club President Larry Newton formally accepted the city’s proposal during the meeting, but all 10 club members must sign the agreement for it to be accepted by the city.

“I think everything is satisfactory,” Newton said. “I think we’re OK.”

Because of their original investment in the building, the club asked for permission to hold their meetings there and a 50/50 split from any profits. The city agreed and the club will get a cut of the profits after utilities and maintenance for the building. Board members said they do not expect the building to be a big money-maker, but an enrichment for the community. Because the Betterment Club is a community organization, any funds they get from the arrangement will also go back to the community.

Callie Hudson, grant consultant, presented a plan to finish out the building with two bathrooms, showers, a kitchen, storage room, a 40-by-58-foot common area and a 12-by 20-foot awning over a new south side door. The finished building could be used as an emergency staging shelter during an ice storm or rented for family reunions and local events.

A funding match, Hudson told the board, would put them in a better position for a grant even though it is not required.

“The work that you’ve already put into it can be considered a match,” Hudson said. “That puts you in a very good position for funding.”

Betterment Club records indicate expenses of $12,600 in materials and Hudson estimated $20,000 in labor which gives the city a 20 percent match. The potential for generating revenue or even a part-time job managing the center gives it credence as well.

“This project, although it was not my main focus when I came here, is the one I’m most excited about because it has the most potential,” Hudson said, adding that it would be the first and only community center in the county.
Other grants were approved during the board meeting. Hudson will apply for a Community Development Block Grant through the Department of Economic Development for street improvements.

A list of prioritized road and street improvements was put together including “B” Avenue and parts of Garner, Janice and Wall streets. During the proposed project, existing blacktop would be broken up and removed and the roadbed would be filled with 6-inches of crushed rock and a 3-inch asphalt overlay. Matching funds for the grant are not required, but it does carry a $400,000 award ceiling limiting the size of the project.

Another grant presented to the board would fund a new police station through a United States Department of Agriculture grant for community facilities. The new 60-by-40-foot station would be moved from Main Street and adjoin city hall. It would have a holding cell and a sally port for bringing prisoners to the courtroom. Residents asked about expanding at the station’s current location, but police Chief Tom West said there is not enough room at the current site and drainage is a big problem.

“We ain’t got much choice,” West said. “It’s falling down around me and every time it rains it floods.”

Hudson was optimistic about the three grant applications.

“As far as states are concerned this is the year to get a hold of money without a match,” she said. “This is the time to do it.”

The board approved Mayor Calvin Wilson’s signature on the applications.

In other news election results were certified.

Keith Kohley was re-elected alderman from the south ward and Greg Richmond from the north ward. Judge Clyde Davidson was re-elected, and tax collector Dawn Bunch will serve the remainder of her term.

The board re-appointed Paula Brodie as city clerk, Tom West as police chief and Duane Cooper as city attorney after renegotiating his fee.