Sparta officials approve requests, listen to reports

 Sparta’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen made quick work of their Dec. 5 agenda, officially changing one ordinance, making a purchasing decision, and agreeing on a trio of personnel decisions.

The board listened to the final reading of changes to City Ordinance No 24-983. The changes would set a pre-approved route for those seeking parade permits. The route would ensure that city police officers would not be needed to close streets or provide traffic control during these events. The need for the change arose because of the amount of overtime hours being needed to provide coverage for these events. The exceptions to parades not needing to use the pre-approved route are the Sparta Rotary Club Christmas Parade, the Sparta Veterans Day Parade, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade, the 4th of July Parade, and the White County High School Homecoming Parade. While this ordinance was heard in November, it had to pass a second, and final, reading, which it did Dec. 5.

Under purchasing, the board was asked to approve adding three more metal poles for the electric department to an existing purchase order. Sparta Mayor Jerry Lowery said the department found three more wooden poles that were severely damaged while they were doing routine trimming and maintenance. Adding the three poles to the existing order will cost an additional $24,950. Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to approve the purchase.

The board also approved the applications for two reserve officers for Sparta Police Department. Robert Bryant and Evan Meyers will begin training and join the reserve force for the city. Additionally, the board approved accepting applications for the position of Trades Helper 1 for the Public Works Department.

Board members were presented with written reports from each of the city’s department heads. The reports detailed the work being done in each of the city’s departments during the weeks between board meetings. While the board was presented with several reports, they had no questions or concerns about anything with which they were presented.

Before the meeting adjourned, Lowery announced the Jan. 2 meeting of Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen would be cancelled because of its proximity to the New Year holiday.