BY CAROL MOSLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
HAMPTON — Hampton’s portion of the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail is moving along, but damage to Bobby Shepherd Park has become an issue demanding attention. The bleachers, which were in bad shape, were recently run over by a truck and totally destroyed.
City Administrator/Clerk, Mary Lou Hildreth, put a call in to local business, Dar Pro Solutions, seeking a contribution to help with the replacement costs. Cameron Hicks, Environmental Health and Safety coordinator, made the announcement at the April 25 city council meeting.
Dar Pro will purchase, assemble and deliver new sturdier bleachers. The city will contract with ADT Security for installation of cameras and monitoring in hopes of deterring future destruction.
Deterrence was also a key part of the discussion regarding policing services. Hampton currently pays $1,500 per month to the county since the city has no police force of its own. Mayor Dale Wiseman says it is important that vehicles patrol the area and not just focus on sitting stationary with radar guns to catch speeders.
He also said it makes a difference when an officer “knows the people” as a member of the community. There are not currently any specific officers assigned to Hampton, so it can be a different officer at any given shift.
The council asked that Hildreth discuss the situation with Sheriff Gordon Smith to see what options there might be for resolving these concerns.
Other business
The council also authorized Hildreth to continue ongoing negotiations on grants pending and other community projects in the works. She is currently negotiating options for property suitable for placement of a new city well and is in the process of obtaining grants for internet services and park projects, among others.
The playground mulch, which needs replacing, must be a certain thickness and made of expensive approved material. A recent estimate was around $4,500, so obtaining the grant funding for it is important. A private company’s quote for sign replacements seemed high, so Hildreth is in dialogue with the county, whose quote for materials was lower but does not include a price for labor.
Hampton is moving forward with the contract for the Funtastic Fire Brigade to take over the old fire station. And, the contract for legal services was renewed for another year with attorney William Sexton at a base rate of $750 per month and $250 per hour for any litigation services that might be required.
