PARROTTSVILLE-The Parrottsville City Council was pleased to inform the public of a $39,000 recreation grant awarded to the city to help fund the construction of the Ted Winters basketball and tennis court.

Mayor Ronnie Hommel traveled to Nashville last week to accept the check from Gov. Phil Bredesen. Hommel and Parrottsville Recorder Polly Ottinger will have to attend a workshop in October before the grant can officially be put to use, but the mayor said as far as construction goes, "I will try to get it done this year."

Council approved the third reading of its annexation ordinance, which Parrottsville Attorney Brad Davidson said has met no resistance. Davidson said the proposal to annex 150-acres of the Guy Hommel, Jack Gregg and Thad Balch property will have to go before the city's planning commission, which will meet in October.

Hommel said pigeons have continued to be a nuisance in the town, especially at the barn located in the city park. Council asked citizens whether they preferred using wire or board to close off the barn's loft, where the birds reportedly roost.

Several citizens and the council discussed how lighting inside the barn would be affected if the loft was boarded rather than covered with wire. Thad Balch said, "I think it would be a better fix to board it up." Council voted to have City Maintenance Manager Tim Kearns use board to close the barn's loft.

In new business, a citizen voiced concerns regarding speeding vehicles on Eagle Crest Way. According to residents of that area, cars are traveling at speeds of 40 to 50 mph in an area not wide enough for two vehicles to pass. One resident said, "It's beginning to become a dangerous intersection. The stop sign is only two feet above the ground." Additional concerns with speeders at Eagle Crest Way involves the presence of several children in the area. Balch said, "There needs to be a speed-braker."

In other news, city resident Delma Kearns voiced concerns she has regarding her vision being obstructed from tall weeds in a lot adjacent to her property at 2020 Highway 321, Parrottsville. Kearns said she cant see Highway 321 clearly when she pulls out of her driveway.

Kearns asked council, "What procedure has to be done to get the lot next to me mowed?" Kearns said when she has tried to approach the owner he walks away. "I need it to be safe enough to see," she added. "He only mows five-feet." Kearns said, "He told me he will have us arrested for trespassing if we step on it."

Council members also reminded citizens of the upcoming Parrottsville Heritage Days and chili cook-off. The cook-off will begin Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. and Heritage Day celebrations will be held in the city park on both Oct. 11 and 12.