OILTON — The Oilton City Council took steps to improve the community park and during thier most recent council meeting.
Council members unanimously approved moving forward with an application for a grant from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) that could provide up to $60,000 for improvements at the city park. The projects were identified and researched by council members Bonnie Casey and Brian Barton.
According to Casey, if awarded the funding could be used for several upgrades including replacing swings, improving the basketball court, adding additional playground equipment, and possibly installing recreational fitness equipment.
It was explained that the grant would reimburse the city for eligible expenses after improvements are completed. Additionally, Barton said the city would only proceed with the project if funding is awarded.
“We don’t have to spend the entire $60,000 and wait on a check,” Barton said. “As we pay someone for the project, we submit the receipt and they reimburse us.”
Council members approved submitting the grant application contingent on receiving the funding. Casey will serve as the primary contact for the project working alongside Mayor Julia Bagwell and TSET representatives to coordinate the application and documentation if the grant is awarded.
The council also approved amendments to the city’s municipal code to align with grant requirements. The ordinance amendment adds language prohibiting smoking and vaping in public areas including the city park.
“Basically, no smoking and vaping in public areas — it’d be prohibited,” council member Bessie Mattalino said while summarizing the change during the meeting.
Both the ordinance update and items regarding applying for the TSET grant were approved unanimously by the council.