Cameras may eye town park

During the Sept. 1 meeting of the Sparta Town Council, officials discussed the possibility of installing surveillance equipment at Crouse Park. Funds for the equipment are proposed to come from left over monies allocated to the town from USDA for purchase of vehicles for the water and police departments, and the upgrade of police equipment.

Town Manager Bryan Edwards remarked the proposal of the idea stems from the activity in and around the park following the additions of a skate park and stage area.

He added, "We were also successful in securing a governor's crime commission grant to do some of the equipment that we had funding for police cars. I would like, with the council's permission, to pursue looking into surveillance equipment that would be used at the park."

Edwards continued, "This week, I was at Alleghany High School and reviewed the equipment that they have and was very impressed with what I saw there with their system in parking lots, also inside the building in the gymnasium in the hall area, cafeteria area. I have an appointment set up for Thursday morning (Sept. 3) to meet with the same company that provided the equipment for the high school. We'll take a look at that and get a proposal submitted by these people."

Edwards then noted the project would mostly likely have to bid out.

"If it's something we can afford and can do with the grant money that's already approved, I think it would be a good place to invest." Mayor John Miller agreed. "I think it'd be a great idea. We've got a lot of people who use the park…."

Landfill and Litter

Edwards made the council aware of upcoming landfill bans and the annual statewide litter sweep.

According to Edwards, state environmental officials encourage N.C. residents to do their part to keep motor oil filters, plastic bottles and wooden pallets out of landfills. Effective Oct. 1, these items are banned from solid waste disposal in the state.