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October 21, 2005
CENTRAL NYE NEWS Beatty wants to light up your lifeBEATTY TOWN BOARD DISCUSSES MAIN STREETS BEAUTIFICATION
By RICHARD STEPHENS
Board member Bert Bertram said that following Internet research on styles and suppliers of antique lights and clocks he favored a design that featured a top central light globe surrounded by four hanging globes. He also favored poles high enough to place the globes out of easy reach of vandals. Brad Hunt said that federal highway regulations would only allow such lights to be placed where there were curbs and gutters. Without that minimal barrier to deter traffic collisions, much more expensive breakaway poles would be mandatory. Bertram said he also thought it would be a good idea to install this type of lighting at the town park. Members of the audience seemed to like the idea of the lights, especially with downtown looking rather dark these days with the Exchange Club closed for the time being. Dorothy Crittenden, owner of the Happy Burro Hostel, however, didn't like the idea of lights at all. "I like the night," she said. "I'd hate to see my night taken away." Bertram said that he didn't think the lights would be too bright, adding that it might be possible to eliminate some of the streetlights on power poles, which also might minimize any additional cost for electricity. Crittenden also complained that what was "really despicable" about Beatty was all the litter. Chamber of Commerce President Ann Marchand reminded the board that the Beatty General Improvement District had offered to supply garbage bags, and the Beatty High School Student Council had raised the possibility of a service project to pick up litter. Also, the street lamps could have trash baskets attached to them to help cut down on littering. Bertram also spoke of the possibility of erecting a town clock, and suggested the town might negotiate with Alpheus Bruton to use his corner of the main intersection as a location for a clock tower. Commissioner Joni Eastley cautioned the board to check carefully into the status of that property before making any commitment to purchase or use it, as it was listed as a Brownfields site because of possible contamination from petroleum products since it was formerly the location of a service station with underground tanks. Charlie Cook expressed concern that if a picnic area were installed at that intersection it might lead to the possibility of children straying into traffic. The possibility of installing murals, as Tonopah is doing, was also discussed. The other major action item addressed by the board was the decision to ask for the Nye County Commission's approval to spend $6,600 for a Kawasaki Mule utility vehicle to be used by the town's maintenance man. The argument was that it would save fuel and save wear and tear on larger, more expensive vehicles. |
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