City OKs parking ban

The Athens City Council on Monday voted to accept an ordinance making Lantana Street, across from South Athens Elementary, a no parking zone from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The decision came after the council voted unanimously at its last meeting to table a discussion regarding a request to place “no parking” signs on Lantana Street, a cul-de-sac in the Robbins Crest Park subdivision.

The city received a letter requesting the signs on Dec. 19, 2007, from Barbara Ballow of Johnny Ballow Homes, L.L.C. — a company that has built three houses in the subdivision.

In the letter, Ballow complained that as school lets out for the day at nearby South Athens Elementary on Robbins Road, parents park on Lantana. Ballow said a parking problem ensues, with Robbins Crest homeowners unable to leave their driveways. She also wrote that emergency vehicles would be unable to enter the single-street subdivision if such services are needed during the hours school lets out.

The council also unanimously voted to remove the 1,600 feet of fencing around Kiwanis Park on Prairieville Street and level the ground.

Athens Noon Kiwanis Club President Richard Riehn requested the city’s help in improving the park in a letter dated Feb. 6. A new black vinyl chain link fence will be installed.

“Our hope is that the city would be able to provide the removal and leveling so our club can move forward quickly to make this vital improvement to our community,” Riehn wrote.

In other action, the council:

• voted to reject all bids for a new portable tub grinder for use in Public Health Department to look for a product that would serve the city’s needs better;

• awarded a bid to Brinson Ford in Athens for two new 2008 model 1/2-ton pickups for use in Water Production Department and Inspection Department in the amount of $28,463.90; and

• awarded a bid and financing for a current model 4x4 truck mounted hydraulic excavator for use in Street Department to Continental Equipment Co. L.P. in the amount of $232,775 and financing to Southside Bank of Athens at 3.62 percent.