Williamson L.E.A.F. branching out

By Dwain W. PennIn its fifth year of serving local residents, the Williamson LEAF is branching out. City clerk Karen Brentlinger shared the news at the Feb. 1 council meeting.’Bobby Harrison Jr. called the office recently to say he would begin construction of a little free library,’ said Brentlinger. ‘For convenience, the first one will be located on library property.’Two others are planned to be built and placed at other public locations.The Williamson Library, Education and Arts Facility opened to a grateful literary clientele on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013. More than 4,000 books had been donated, more than what the modest facility could hold and use.The inventory was sorted, keeping both popular and rare editions while passing on duplicates and excess books to other organizations. Each year hundreds of books are still coming in requiring a plan to use them to benefit the public.Last spring, city council learned about the little free library organization and paid $40 to join. The action inspired a local third grader to create her own little library to share some of her books with others.Now that the first facility will soon be opened, the LEAF will acquire another venue to use its growing collection of books.COUNCIL ALSO: ’¢ Received the January library report of 78 patrons and $37.25 income.’¢ Learned from councilman Stephen Levin that Airfi, Inc. has installed equipment on the Zebulon water tower on Patton Road and with a distance of less than 3 miles away may provide Williamson with WIFI internet service.’¢ Heard from councilwoman Brenda Bennett about concerns from Ashley Glen residents dealing with one entrance and phase II development plans not including a pool. Mayor Steve Fry asked developers on behalf of the residents to extend recreation plans.’¢ Approved to finalize the pavilion fence quote, not to exceed $7,000.’¢ Heard Little Caesar’s Pizza has opted out of the convenience store plans, and was replaced by Papa John’s.’¢ Approved Joy Walker’s request to recognize the Pike tourism board’s pursuit to seek the status as an authority in order to qualify for grants to aid in attracting tourists to the county. The process requires approval by local municipalities and county government before seeking final approval through the state legislature.’¢ Heard quotes are pending for extension of city water service lines along Stephens Street and Coggins Road.’¢ Learned city attorney Rob Morton will bring to the March meeting a proposed text amendment to municipal building codes for road and right of way damage bond.’¢ Heard that Griffin increased its water rates resulting in Williamson’s fees increasing also. No action was taken to approve new rates.