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May 3, 2006
Beatty takes aim at Brownfields grantSHUTTERED BARRICK BULLFROG MINE COULD SITE SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT; BONDO'S POND AT ISSUE
By RICHARD STEPHENS
Brownfields is a federally sponsored program to assist local governments in redeveloping properties that are hindered in their development by pollution, contamination - or the perception of contamination or pollution. In the Beatty area, the program so far is targeting the Barrick Bullfrog Mine property, "Bombo's Pond," and the Beatty Habitat Trails Project. A couple of other possible sites were brought up in the meeting, including a former filling station and a location adjacent to the airport that has an abandoned gas pump. Christensen said that she is most focused on the possibility of bringing a solar energy demonstration project to the mine site, and those present concurred with adding the promotion of renewable energy projects to Beatty's list of goals for the Brownfields program. There was some discussion of the impact of the Bureau of Land Management's proposed sale of land in the Oasis Valley on the habitat trails project. Shirley Harlan, of the Beatty Habitat Committee, said that that sale was under review by the BLM over concerns regarding any departure from the conservation agreement to which the bureau is a party. The board voted to go forward with the purchase of eight park benches and eight trash receptacles for the beautification program, even though the cost, with shipping, of almost $16,000 exceeded its original estimate of $12,000. Chairman Lamar Walters said that they had flexibility in how the funds could be allocated and how other sources of revenue could be used. The public comment portion of the meeting raised the possibility of lively board meetings to come. Ryan Tweney asked if there was anything the board could do to control the billboards in the town. Bert Bertram told him that the issue had already been brought up in the past, that existing billboards were legal, and that the town had no ordinance regarding them. This led to the question of whether the town could do anything about unsightly junk piles. Kay Handy said that she and secretary Janet Rogers had investigated the issue. "Beatty has ordinances," said Handy. "They have a lot of dust on them," adding, "We are going to bring them out and enforce them." She also mentioned ordinances regarding pets, always a hot issue in the past. Sarah Willis requested that discussion of creating an ordinance requiring helmets and safety gear for riders of skateboards, roller blades, and similar devices be placed on the board's agenda. She said something had to be done for the safety of children. Albert Verrilli said that, having seen unsafe riding in his neighborhood he felt that such regulations should include motorized vehicles such as quads. Those wishing to attend Beatty Town Board meetings should note that the board has moved the starting time for meetings up one half-hour to 6:30 p.m. |
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