BY CAROL MOSLEY
Special to the Telegraph
The Brooker Town Council most recent meeting focuses on the request and use of grant funds for recreation and fire protection.
The meeting began with a report from Doug Sanders of Andy Easton and Associates regarding the application for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant. A FRDAP grant “provides financial assistance for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation,” according to the website. This grant will be to enhance Brooker’s recreational opportunities.
The grant, which is due at the end of September, is for a maximum of $200,000. The council members are hoping for a pickleball court with lighting and fencing. Also under consideration are a basketball court and public restroom. Sanders thinks the town is likely to get substantial funding and will administer the grant, if awarded to Brooker, for $1,000.
Funding obtained for locating a fire station in town was also a point of discussion. Brooker got the official word via letter from the Division of State Fire Marshall. There will be more than $506,000 for the fire station building. Another $662,500 was granted for “new fire apparatus” such as the fire truck and tanker.
Bradford Fire Rescue Chief Ben Carter advised that this represents only 50% of the total required funds said he hopes the legislature will grant the other half in next year’s budget appropriations.
There is still some clarity needed about whether the town of Brooker or Bradford County will own the titles to land and equipment, and how the funds will be managed. Those conflicting understandings of details will, by necessity, be worked out in future discussions.
Meanwhile, the town will be accepting bids for cleanup of the property where the new fire station will be located. One concern is where any new fire truck would be housed, if that is granted before a building is constructed, since the town wants everything to start out new and in perfect condition. Plans for that will be addressed in future discussions as well.
$1 increase for water
The town council considered the water rates and decided an increase of one dollar would be acceptable. The rate of $25 for up to 3,000 gallons will be $26 in the future.
