Written by Whitley Kilcrease

Another step has been taken towards revamping the recreational facilities and programs in Brundidge.

Superintendent of Pike County Schools Dr. Mark Bazell presented a proposal Tuesday to the Brundidge City Council “make capital improvements” to the existing fields and surrounding area.

Bazell also said the Pike County Board of Education would be willing to take over responsibilities regarding the programs already in place, such as pee wee football, basketball, softball, baseball and cheerleading.

“We think this will be a benefit to kids in Brundidge and the surrounding area,” Bazell said. “Of course, everything costs money and we have a few details to work out.”

Bazell said the proposal is a rough draft, which will need approval and modifications from the board and the council. The purpose of the proposal Tuesday was to initiate discussions about what needs to be improved or expanded.

Improvements mentioned at the meeting included improvements on dugouts, fences, scoreboards, curbs and sidewalks. Bazell also mentioned the possibility of acquiring adjacent land and property for new soccer fields, parks and practice fields.

“We want to increase investments in programs, make capital improvements on the facilities and commit to continuing programs already in place,” Bazell said. “There is a lot to consider in this project.”

Bazell was granted permission last week by the board to move forward with negotiations with the City of Brundidge.

On Tuesday, the council also covered the following agenda:

• City Manager Britt Thomas announced repairs on two water wells that were damaged during severe weather in July, as well as the storage building that was destroyed in the same storms. The well near College Street is fully functional after replacing the lightning-damaged motor while the other near Wal-Mart will be completed when parts needed are available. The council expects to have options regarding the storage building by the next meeting on Aug. 21.

• The council passed Resolution 2012-14, which allows the city to assist Southern Classic Foods in building a rail spur off the main line. According to Thomas, this allows product to be shipped by rail car rather than truck and is in the best interest of the company. It also added about 35 jobs and several hundred thousand dollars in capital investment.

• Grahame Goodwin officially withdrew from the race for the District 2 council member position.

• Rhonda Ivey appeared concerning violations of a city ordinance that only allows her to have three dogs. Following complaints from neighbors concerning the 10 dogs currently at her residence, Ivey asked the council to approve a kennel permit allowing her to convert a residential area into a dog kennel. The council agreed if Ivey presents detailed plans in compliance with city ordinances.