At the Oct. 30 meeting the Sewanee Community Council appointed June Weber to serve as the District 1 representative in keeping with the authority granted by the council’s constitution to fill mid-term vacancies.

A realtor with Gooch Beasley, Weber’s daughter attended the University prompting her to relocate in the Sewanee area following Hurricane Katrina.

“She’s sharp and dependable and would be a great asset to our group,” said council representative Flournoy Rogers, who nominated Weber.

Weber will serve until the next election in Nov. 2018.

Revisiting a topic previously discussed, council representative

Cindy Potter said she spoke with Franklin County Highway Commissioner Joe David McBee about the crossing light in front of the Blue Chair “taking up five or six parking spaces.”

McBee indicated he was open to making the two downtown crossing lights more compatible with the Sewanee Village Plan, Potter said.

Provost Nancy Berner asked Potter to communicate to McBee “the council would greatly appreciate the lights being modified.”

To keep the council abreast of issues concerning the community, Berner provided an overview of agenda items proposed to the council agenda committee, but determined to be best dealt with by other agencies.

The need for sidewalks in the Quintard Hall and School of Theology vicinity was already under review by Facilities Management, according to Berner. The problem of overly long vehicles parked on Tennessee Avenue extending into the street fell to the police department to address, Berner said. Plans are to communicate the problem via email or similar means in the hope of avoiding issuing citations. Berner also noted a group had formed to coordinate maintenance of the ballpark, and she would meet with them in early November to discuss the issues.

Mike Gardner, who oversees Facilities Planning and Operations, said Duck River Electric recently communicated concern about the age and safety of the ballpark lighting. “We’re going to have to do something about the lighting system,” Gardner stressed.

Council representative Pixie Dozier updated the group on the Community Funding Project. The council sponsored program provides funding for projects that enhance the community and improve the quality of life of residents. The deadline for submitting proposals was Nov. 1. The review committee is expected to make recommendations to the council at the next meeting on Jan. 22 meeting.

No award was made in 2017, raising the award amount to $20,000 for 2018. In 2016, the council divided the $11,000 available among seven applicants. Past recipients include a Girl Scout Silver Project, upgrades to the Sewanee dog pound, Elliott Park amenities, improvements to the Community Center, a special needs swing at the Woodlands, and bulbs for the local playgroup to plant by the Cross.

“I’ve heard many suggestions for projects,” Dozier said. She encouraged people to turn their suggestions into proposals and apply for funding. The deadline for the next round of submissions is April 1, 2018.