Council approves street name change to honor Cleveland resident

A decision was made during the Tuesday, Jan. 19 meeting of the Cleveland City Council to approve a name change for the currently named Lilley Avenue to James Carter Sr. Avenue.

The name change was brought to the attention of council members by Cleveland resident Roscoe Warrick, Jr., who was in attendance during the meeting to urge council members to approve the change.

“He was always there to help and do things for the neighborhood for the community,” said Warrick, speaking of late Cleveland resident James Carter, Sr. “I think he deserves to be recognized.”

Council members agreed and the decision was passed unanimously.

Council members also approved the decision to increase the pay for volunteer firefighters. Local firefighters noted that they hoped the increase would encourage volunteer firefighter participation in the future and will be a benefit to the department, as well as all current volunteer firefighters in the Cleveland area.

A motion was passed to move forward with an agreement with PTI Sports and Recreation Construction for the construction of a splash pad project, in the amount of $174,697.00.

The splash pad will be located at the Cleveland City Park, in the same space as the previously located city pool, which was closed due to rising maintenance costs. Council members announced that in addition to the splash pad project, the city is looking at more ways to provide fun and safe amenities for local children and families.

Council members unanimously approved the purchase of a new street sweeper, with the hope of helping keep the community clean amidst new development and downtown revitalization efforts.

An ordinance was passed, ordering and calling the general election, with the purpose of electing a new mayor, as well as council positions 1 and 2. The election is ordered to be held on May 1, 2021, with a runoff date set for June of 2021.