Condolences were extended to the family of Spc. James O. Kinlow at the regular meeting of the Lincolnton City Council held Monday, August 1.

The Lincoln County native was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near a Humvee that was part of a convoy conducting a regular patrol on Route Aeros southwest of Baghdad.

In his comments, Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff said, “Spc. Kinlow was what I consider to be a real hero, not the politicians or others in authority. I am most grateful for the sacrifice he made for freedom. In fact, we would not be able to sit here at a meeting like this if it were not for people like him. On behalf of the city, I want to express our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.”

Spc. Kinlow was the son of Alchester and Carrie Kinlow of Lincolnton.

In other business, the council:

Was informed by the mayor that the errors on some of the brick pavers in front of City Hall will be corrected. Also, the city is now in the process of selling additional pavers. Anyone who wishes to purchase an engraved brick to pay tribute to an individual(s) or mark a special occasion should call City Hall at 706-3593239.

Was informed by Mayor Biggerstaff that he and other local officials recently met with Governor Sonny Perdue, State Senator Jim Whitehead, and Representative Barry Fleming concerning proposals for various regional projects. The mayor further noted that he will be meeting with Whitehead and Fleming in the near future to establish legislative priorities for the city during the upcoming session of the General Assembly.

Adopted an election ordinance stipulating that qualifying for the offices of mayor and city councilman (Post 4 and Post 5) will take place September 13-16 from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. The qualifying fees have been set at $72 for mayor and $36 for a seat on the council. The General Election will be held Tuesday, November 1.

Heard the Water Department Report given by Superintendent Stanley Parton who stated that water production increased again this month, partly due to changing over from the old water treatment plant to the new one. “We had to send a lot of water down the drain to the sludge ponds,” he explained.

In essence, water production climbed from 11.7 mg (million gallons) in June to 13.4 mg in July.

In other items of information, Superintendent Parton indicated that the city had a “bad flare-up of manganese in the water” and had to do a lot of flushing. The problem has since been corrected.

Also, a water hose ruptured in the filter room at the water treatment plant, shorting out the electric filter consoles. The consoles are currently undergoing repairs.

The superintendent went on to say that a new recycle water pump was installed at the waste water treatment plant to enable the city to use treated discharge water to run the grip separator and the clarifiers used to wash the V-notch weirs. “So far, the pump has cut finished water consumption by more than half,” he stated.

Heard Mayor Biggerstaff report on a meeting that he and area residents had with Roger Price of the DOT regarding the DOT’s plans to straighten out the intersection of Lillian Sims Drive and Elm Street. With all concerned in agreement, the council voted to proceed with the project.

Voted to rezone a lot owned by Larry Martin on School Street from R-1 to R-2 so the lot can be subdivided into two properties. The request, which was met with some opposition by neighboring homeowners, was approved on the condition that only one single-family dwelling can be built on each lot.

Was informed that the Zoning Board voted to table a request made by Rocking R International, Inc. to construct a tower on Dawkins Street until the board could obtain more information about the project.

Heard a request that the city annex two lots owned by Billy Biggerstaff on Bill Way. The council voted to proceed with the annexation.

Voted to place the following streets on the city’s LARP (Local Assistance Road Program) list for 2006: Anthony Street, Watson Street Extension, Lilly Way, Joan Way, and Kelly Court.

Voted to adopt an amendment to the city’s franchise agreement with the Georgia Power Company dealing with the relocation of utility poles and other matters.

Was informed by Mayor Biggerstaff that Dudley Bryant had resigned as waste water operator, effective July 22. “We would like to thank Dudley for eight years of service to the city, and we wish him well,” said the mayor.

Voted to hire Wayne Searles as a full-time employee, dividing his time between the water department and the street department.

Agreed to allow Bill Turner, an officer with the Lincolnton Police Department, to conduct safety classes for city and county residents.

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, September 12, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.