New Stop Sign Expanded Sports Programs in Davenport

DAVENPORT - The Davenport Town Council approved insurance for extended sports programs and approved placement of a stop sign at the regular meeting on July 16.

The council was unanimous in its approval to increase insurance coverage of the youth sports program to $1,359 annually, an increase of $850. The increase will allow the program to expand into year-round offerings and support younger children.

"It's an investment in our youth," said Council Member Jacklynn Losie, "I don't see why it would be a problem."

Councilmember Mark Miller noted that offering more physical educational opportunities has potential to alleviate some behavioral issues that have increased over the last few years at the school district.

Before the vote, the council heard from program coordinator Anna Hillis. She explained that the current program is free to students and coordinated by volunteers. They offer t-ball, baseball, and softball that reaches over 70 students annually from 3rd to 6th grades. They also have a mini-baller program for pre-K and kindergarten which serves roughly 50 children.

The extended coverage will allow for development of year-round sports, including fall soccer, winter basketball, and other sports in the spring. It will allow for pre-K and kindergarten soccer programs to get children started early, said Hillis.

Another discussion led to the installation of a new stop sign. Supervisor Timothy Kelso received requests for a stop sign at the intersection of Charlotte Creek and Pine Lake roads. "I've even had some close ones there," he said. 

Highway Superintendent Fred Utter said a stop sign could be installed and that signs indicating the change would need to be installed 385 feet ahead. Utter agreed to do the installation. 

The stop sign will be for traffic turning onto Charlotte Creek Road from Pine Lake Road.

In another discussion, Kelso received two quotes to replace the flooring in town hall from Endicott and Carpet Plus. Both quotes were around $12,300. If the town chose a lower grade flooring the price would change, explained Kelso. The town was also exploring painting the town hall, which Kelso said should be done with the floors. He will get quotes for painting and negotiate a lower price for floors. If the project was approved, the council discussed using remaining ARPA funds. The town has roughly $15,000 in ARPA funds left, some of which will be used to purchase computers for assessors.

In other business

The town took in roughly $800 in disposing of mettle.

Highway Department CHIPS  paperwork needs to be in by August 12 to receive the next payment round, Utter explained. He reported spending roughly $240,000 in funds from a total of $363,000.

Union contract negotiations will start in August.

The next town council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.