The new Imagination Station playground in Collegedale is on track to open June 15 if the weather continues to cooperate, said Eric Sines, director of parks, playgrounds and public works, at the Collegedale Commission meeting Monday night. The popular wooden playground has been closed since last fall when the site was prepared for installation of new state-of-the-art equipment. A grand opening party is being planned. There will be a cookout and live entertainment provided by the city.
The organizers are working to get children involved in the festivities.
Mr. Sines asked the commissioners for approval to accept a bid for the purchase and installation of a hook lift system. An old garbage truck used by the public works department can be converted to a vehicle with multiple uses with this system. The garbage bed will be removed and, with the hook lift system, the truck can be used with various attachments for several purposes. Approval was given to accept the bid of $64,333 for the package, which was a budgeted item.
Collegedale is in pursuit of new economic development. City Manager Ted Rogers wanted to make sure the proper language is in the city’s policy relating to travel and entertainment for the purpose of attracting businesses to locate in the city. Depending on the number of people or groups involved, costs have the potential of being significant, he said.
The city manager currently has a spending limit of $10,000 without getting commission approval. It was decided that amount would cover the costs associated with attracting new business. Mr. Rogers assured the commissioners that he would brief the mayor on costs he incurs, regardless of the amount. City Attorney Sam Elliott suggested getting approval beforehand if possible.
Approval was also given for work to level land adjacent to the Collegedale airport. A property owner has made an agreement with the city to remove the fence, fill a low area and level the land on both sides of the fence that will then be replaced, all at his expense. Permission was given on condition that the individual signs an agreement of liability while working on the city’s property.