Zebulon celebrates renewal of city park

By Kay S. PedrottiWith excitement in his voice, Zebulon councilman William Thomas said of the refurbished city park adjacent to city hall, ‘You ain’t seen nothing yet.’Thomas, speaking at the May 13 council meeting, said plans are in place ‘“ but not all the pieces ‘“ for a park with a manicured lawn sporting playground equipment, new tables and benches, porch-type swings, grills and remodeled restrooms.’Everybody is invited to celebrate this rededication and re-commissioning on Monday, May 26, Memorial Day holiday, at noon. We’re trying to keep as much as possible under wraps so everyone can see it in its full glory,’ said Thomas.The park has languished without new amenities for more than five years. Thomas has described its new life as being ‘a long road to a dream’ shared with former Mayor Bobby Blalock and others.Council members also were informed the city Relay for Life team needed four more members. Several citizens attending the meeting immediately volunteered.City clerk Teresa Watson said the town’s property and casualty insurance plan has increased by $8,623 to more than $42,000 for next year, up from the present $34,175 annually. She added the city audit process is working much more smoothly than in previous years.Council also:’¢ Approved purchase of a new truck for public works to replace one with more than 300,000 miles and many repairs, according to director Claude Hollis.’¢ Approved an agreement with the Pike County Historical Society for use of space in the opportunity center and heard Southern Crescent Technical College has given notice it will vacate its city location for adult literacy classes as a cost-saving measure.’¢ Asked Downtown Development Authority director Chris Curry to submit documentation to be used in applying for a loan from Zebulon’s revolving fund.’¢ Elected councilman Dewey Yarbrough as the voting delegate at this year’s Georgia Municipal Association convention in Savannah.’¢ Agreed to pay a settlement of $333.92 to Brandee Murrah of Lamar County, who was arrested and missed work because of a city computer problem.Note: A comprehensive account of the status of the city’s interaction with Brent Pike LLC on its proposed Hughley Road project, and comments at the May 13 meeting, will appear in the May 28 edition of the Pike County Journal Reporter.