Nashville Council Donates $2,000 to Library Summer Reading Program

By Todd Marver

tmarver@nashnews.net

At its Thursday, May 18 meeting, the Nashville City Council approved donating $2,000 to the library’s summer reading program, which runs from June 1 to July 27. The money will come from the gaming fund.

Library director Kelsey Schaepperkoetter said last year the city donated $1,000 that the library used for programming supplies and prizes. She said the library requested $2,000 this year because there was a 44% increase in participation last year from the previous year.

“We routinely normally have about 70 to 80 people come to the first program and the last program because those are the programs that we pay performers for. Last year doing the same exact thing with performers on the first day and last day, we routinely had 50 to 60 children each week, which increased the price of the prizes, programming supplies and food,” she said.

Katelyn Mason, children’s librarian, said the theme is Find Your Voice and the programs will be about empowering children, ways to use their voice and show their emotions.

Mason said June 1 is registration day and there will be a bounce house and food for the kids. She said throughout the program, there will be different crafts and activities for the kids to do.

“We’re going to have a sports day, so we’re going to have a lot of fruit trays, vegetables and a lot of activities for them to do. At the end, we have a production company called Talewise coming in. They are a science-based group and will teach about different kinds of science to kids. We’re also going to have movie nights every Thursday in June and July where we’re going to be supplying popcorn for the kids and families on those days,” she said.

Schaepperkoetter also reported that the library received a $25,000 Live and Learn construction grant from the state. She said all the windows around the library will be replaced to create a teen space area, rewire all of the lighting to be more energy-efficient and get a new drop box that will be drive-up capable, so people won’t have to leave their car.

“We are in limbo waiting for the state to release that money to us, but we did get $25,000 from the state,” she said.

The council approved advertising to hire part-time officer(s) and increasing the pay to $19.25 an hour.

Alderman Shawn Kabat said the police committee talked about hiring at least a minimum of one part-time officer to fill in for the full-time officers to give some breaks to everybody. Police Chief Brian Fletcher added a part-time officer is planning to retire in the near future.

“We want to make sure we can get permission to advertise for a part-time officer, at least a couple, two or three maybe, just to get our name back out there,” Kabat said.

The council approved the purchase of a new 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility All-Wheel Drive squad car in the amount of $48,085.

“We are needing to replace another squad car. It would be similar to the units we have now,” Kabat said.

Fletcher said the price includes the lights, siren, console and other equipment. He said the new squad car is going to replace the K9 unit.

“We’ll need to order a K9 insert. Instead of the cages we get, it’ll be an insert to go through the back seat for the K9 kennel. By law, it’s required to have a fan. That way if it gets too hot, the windows roll down and the fan kicks on. (The insert and fan) would be additional to that price,” Fletcher said.

The council approved entering into a legal service agreement for government financing for lift stations.

City Attorney Bill DeMoss reported the city has three aging sewer system lift stations that need to be replaced. He said considerable legal work has already been done and considerable more work is to be done.

“We’ve already acquired land for the northwest lift station and Willow Brook lift station and acquired two easements for the Kirkland Heights lift station. Engineers have prepared a preliminary engineering report. It’s an application for the three sewer lift stations. As part of our funding for the project, we provide for loan and grant funds from USDA Rural Development,” he said.

The council approved a $30 donation to the Nashville Men’s Golf League to be a hole sponsor for their Memorial Day Tournament on May 27 and 28. The money will come from the gaming fund.

“It’s something that we do every year. It’s a pretty good cause. The Men’s Golf League uses that money they raise to make improvements to our golf course and donate to boys and girls golf programs in Nashville,” Alderman Kelly Sheridan said.

The council recognized Kevin Seyler for his 35 years of service to the city’s street department. Mayor Raymond Kolweier presented a plaque to Seyler in recognition of his 35 years of service.

“Congratulations on your retirement. On behalf of myself and the council, I want to thank you for your dedicated service. You will be missed I’m sure and enjoy your retirement. Not that many people give 35 years anymore. People change jobs,” said Kolweier.

Utility Supervisor Blaine Middleton gave an update on the Fine Screen Unit project at South Lagoon.

“The big garage doors have been installed on the building. Gutters are done, so the whole outside of the building is complete. The electricians have been there since last week installing all of the wiring and lights, so we’re getting closer. We still don’t have power there yet,” he said.

Alderman Doug Hargan said there will be work done at the No. 2 tee at the golf course after two upcoming tournaments are done. He added that there are a ton of dead trees at the course that they’re trying to figure out how to get down.

“There’s a slew. They’re dying left and right. Mainly they’re on No. 9, but there’s also another big one back by No. 7. It might cost a little bit of money to do that,” he said.