City officials could have two options for disposing of the current Athens Fire Department ladder truck, which would create additional funds for the city.
Athens City Council members reviewed two proposals regarding a solution for the 22-year-old truck at yesterday's City Council Committee meeting.
The first idea could provide the city with about $30,000, said Athens Service-Safety Director Paula Moseley.
(The city) could trade in the existing truck (for that sum)
Moseley said.
The other option is to sell the truck to a smaller municipality, she said.
There may be a potential buyer to purchase (the truck) for around $60 000 she added.
Moseley noted that the estimated cost of a new ladder truck is lower than city officials previously anticipated.
The good news ... is that it (will cost about) $1.03 million
she said.
Previously, city officials expected to pay about $1.6 million for the new truck, of which they had saved $640,000.
Council members did not decide on a method for disposing of the old truck.
The members also talked about adding more rain gardens throughout the city to control rainwater runoff.
Currently, there are three rain gardens within the city limits, which were added in July 2010, said Cathy Bobo, a spokeswoman for the Athens Soil and Water Conservation District.
One garden is located at the Athens City Code Office and the other two are at the Athens Community Center, she said.
To date, about 63,000 gallons of water have been collected at the three existing gardens, she added.
Rain gardens reduce storm water runoff in an environmentally friendly way as well as reduce water pollutants through the use of native plants.
Rain gardens are also used to recharge groundwater supply, enhance the environmental beauty of the area and provide habitat and food for local wildlife, such as butterflies and birds, Bobo said.
The city has problems with storm water runoff because of the steep hills in the area.
Bobo pointed out that a good place to incorporate rain gardens into private and public property is along East State Street.
I think rain gardens would fit in very nicely (on East State Street)
Bobo said.
Although Council members did not decide on a plan of action for the gardens, if they were to proceed, they would explore grant opportunities.
Hopefully we will be able to integrate (more rain gardens into the community)
said Councilman Elahu Gosney, D-at Large.
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Emily Bowman
