Council settles paving bid, discusses fire department, ARPA projects
BY CAROL MOSLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
The town of Brooker has a lot going on these days, though holding an election in February won’t be one of them.
Mayor Gene Melvin, Steve Acree and Joe Tolleson, will have no challengers to their seats. They’ll be sworn in at the March town council meeting.
Nonetheless, they and the other two council members, Linda Bennett and Chris Caldwell, have a lot on their plates.
The first order of business at the January meeting was to decide on awarding the bid for road paving services and address the complaint over the bidding process. Attorney John Maines advised that all FDOT bid requirements were met and the complainant never submitted a bid.
The complaint will be formally dismissed and the contract awarded to the only bidder, V.E. Whitehurst and Sons. Most of the funding comes through a Small Cities Outreach Program (SCOP) grant and the deficit will come from FDOT.
Once the “Notice to Proceed” is received from the FDOT, the council will meet with the contractor to develop an action plan. The work is expected to begin in February with 21 city streets being resurfaced.
CSX is scheduled to begin work replacing some of the railroad tracks on Jan. 18 and 19 on SW 114th Street and “a private road.”
Braggs Branch subdivision, which broke ground more than 15 years ago, is finally ready for new homes to be built.
Mayor Melvin inquired whether it would make sense to annex Braggs Branch into the town, since it is right on the outskirts. Attorney Maines advised it would be a complicated process. He said the town currently provides services at a 25% surcharge.
County Commission Chairwoman Diane Andrews has been a regular attendee to check on any need for county collaboration. Councilman Tolleson brought up the need for a local fire department and Andrews said it would cost more than $3 million for a station. She has hopes that a grant could fund a station eventually, but at the least a truck and staff person might be put into place by 2024.
Andrews cautioned that it would also come with a need for operational funding, likely in the form of an unpopular assessment or tax increase. The county is facing the same issue. Resident Tony Stalnaker suggested that council members voice their concerns at county commission meetings.
Commissioner Andrews also brought up the need for broadband services, especially with the new school coming in.
The Brooker Community School has received all the required approvals for operating as a charter school and plans for opening are well underway.
Town Clerk Suzanne McRee and Bookkeeper Charlene Thomas detailed a variety of projects made possible using ARPA funds.
The playground at the Town Hall/Community Center is getting a makeover. The fence will be moved and some trees removed to expand the area and make room for the new seesaw and merry-go-round. It was decided that a new pavilion is not needed at this time.
Brooker will be getting new radar speed signs which will be installed by the county. The emergency notification system will be upgraded and so will the website.
Mayor Melvin believes there will be growth in Brooker, prompted by Braggs Branch, the new school opening and housing expansions that will spill over from Alachua County.
Brooker school enrolling students
Brooker Community School has received all the required approvals for operating as a charter school and plans for opening are well underway. Enrollment is live now Visit their website (www.brookercomunityschool.com) and Facebook page for an application or call Patsy Pullen at 352-481-9115.
