Gleason City Board Discusses Grand Opening of Dog Park

david@dresdenenterprise.com

GLEASON (October 8) — Gleason board members discussed the long-awaited grand opening of the city’s dog park, during Thursday night’s meeting of the Gleason Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Alderman Jim Phelps gave those present an update concerning Gleason Dog Park, located at Huggins Park. He announced the park is already open, and the grand opening is set for 9 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2020.

The lighted, fenced-in facility features watering and waste stations as well as playground equipment for the dogs. There is also an octagon-shaped picnic table and benches to seat pet owners.

The facility also provides a location for community members to turn their dogs loose to run and play. Since Gleason’s leash law prohibits dogs from roaming at large, this will allow pets to run free inside the dog park.

The dog park is funded by a $25,000 grant from The Boyd Foundation, created by University of Tennessee president Randy Boyd - a Knoxville businessman and 2018 candidate for governor. The 100-percent grant fully funded the construction of a dog park and requires no local matching funds.

Alderman Phelps expressed he appreciation to city work crews for getting everything set up for the park to open.

In other business, Water Department Supervisor Tony Terrell informed the board bids were opened for purchase of a sewer camera and JetVac was low bidder at $40,000. Terrell also mentioned he has been in contact with a Union City company concerning a maintenance contract for the generators at the water plant and sewer plant, which will be on next month’s agenda.

Mayor Diane Poole stated she was contacted by someone who offered to pay for the paint needed for the city’s antique train caboose, located near the Gazelle Grounds. Mayor Poole said she would be in contact with Downtown Revitalization Committee president Charles Anderson concerning the matter.

Mayor Poole reported she is waiting on a quote from a firm dealing with making improvements to playground equipment at Snider Park.

Public Works Director Rodney Garner reported the main sewer line at the Gleason Clinic was recently relocated. Additionally, the roads have been swept and the road surface will soon be fogged.

Mayor Poole mentioned the paving note is now paid off and the city will begin repairing additional streets soon.

According to Mayor Poole, Weakley County Economic Development Director Shelby Spurgeon was unable to attend the meeting, but sent an email informing the board BAM2 is still interested in purchasing the 14 acres the city owns behind the water plant. Spurgeon and the State of Tennessee are working on developing an incentive package to improve the chances for BAM2 to purchase the property and build a new facility at that location.

In other department reports, Gleason Police Chief Paul Eddlemon stated there were 22 state warrants, two juvenile petitions, 56 city citations and 234 calls for service during the month of September.

Deputy Fire Chief Mark Stafford said, during the month of September, Gleason firefighters responded to a report of a tree down on power lines on Parks Road. They were also dispatched to one mutual aid call, one lift assist, two false alarms and participated in Hazmat awareness training.

Mayor Poole announced the next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, November 12.