The City Council revived hopes for external agency funding on Monday night.
A 3-2 vote earlier this month dashed hopes for any agencies getting funding after three members seemed to agree it was only appropriate for the city to fund events, not social service agencies.
Wayne Dennis who voted no before wanted to reconsider. Dennis noted last year agency funding was about $130,000, two weeks ago it was $53,000.
Recent event cancellations have brought that figure to $33,500 and could be less if they are funding any events that end up not being held. Just in the last few weeks Heritage Days and the River to River Cruise Night have been scrapped for 2020.
Council voted 7-0 last night to reconsider the agency funding in two weeks.
Alderman Bradley Hix says when the vote comes up again he would like to have two separate motions.
Hix abstained from the vote two weeks ago because of his position on the United Way of Knox County’s Board of Directors. He would like to separate the votes to give himself an opportunity to weigh in on the other organizations getting money.
Alderman also unanimously accepted a property donation of four lots from George Voeller on 1st Street between Avenues A and B.
City Manager Todd Thompson says the family of Voeller contacted the city to say they would like to donate the property with the wish that it be a park, specifically a dog park.
Mike Voeller also expressed that he wished the park to be named for his father and grandfather, George Voeller
Thompson says the city owns at least one other lot in the area. He indicated the city would move forward with plans for it to be a park but in the meantime, the city would be responsible for maintenance at a minimal cost.
Alderman Larry Cox says the council shouldn’t necessarily commit themselves to these lots being a park but if it is a park, he urges that the Parks and Rec Masterplan be followed.
