During the regular session of the December City council meeting, Kim Manville, Dispatch Supervisor, announced that funding has been secured to install new 911 consoles in January. The Rescue Departmnet is releasing money to fund the project. Later, during the meeting, council members ammended the city budget to accommnodate the funding. The consoles are expected to be in place by the end of January 2014.
Also during the meeting, council members passed an ordinance to allow the police department the ability to charge for serving warrants. They can now charge a fee for the warrant and get milleage. The Sherrifs Department has the same process and Fairfield Bay is following suit.
In other council news; the EMS squad is having a record year in emergency calls, with over 600 calls so far. November was well above normal, with December off to another record month. Mayor Paul discussed the use of the emergency shelters and stated that once one shelter is full then the other shelter will open. Station 2, down at the marina, has a generator in case transportation to the other shelters is not possible.
In Economic Development news, positive discussions continue with potential medical facility providers. The next Community Coalition meeting is set for January 23 in the Conference Center at 1 p.m. The Imagine Fairfield Bay 2035 team kicked off with Bob Berdine as team leader.
Wilba Thompson, Co-manager of the Conference Center stated that refurbishing of villas continue and each has a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Lodging prices are competitive and available for single night stays. The grant to refurbish the kitchen has been awarded. We are waiting for the distribution of funds before work can begin.
Fundraising has now reached $126, 875.74 YTD. Art sales continue and a new exhibit will run from March 3 to July 14, 2014.
There are numerous bookings already set for 2014, with many other activities in the works.