The Lincolnton City Council voted to authorize Mayor Henry Brown to initiate the process of filing an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for the purpose of upgrading sewer lines.

The action was taken at the regular meeting of the mayor and council held Monday, March 1.

The grant will target sewer lines on the following streets: Dawkins Street, Anthony Street, East Lincoln Street, and N. Washington Street from The Chicken House to the building formerly known as Pure Auto Service.

In his comments, Mayor Brown asked the citizens residing in the target areas to cooperate fully with those conducting surveys for the grant, which could bring as much as $500,000 worth of improvements to the city.

In other items of business, the council voted to send letters to the owners of 17 abandoned houses in the city, giving the individuals 60 days to come up with an action plan for dealing with the situation and an additional 90 days to correct the problem.

If action still has not been taken after 90 days, the police chief has the authority to issue citations to the homeowners.

It was noted that crime rates tend to increase in areas where there are abandoned homes.

In further business, the council:

.. Heard the Water Department Report given by Superintendent Stanley Parton, who said, “With no leaks to speak of and with February having only 28 days, water production decreased drastically from 13.5 million gallons in January to 9.94 million gallons in February.”

He went on to say that as of March 1, the lake was at 327.49 feet above mean sea level. “Lately, the corps (United States Army Corps of Engineers) hasn’t been generating power 24 hours day.”

Full pool at Clark’s Hill Lake is 330 feet above mean sea level.

In other items of information, Su- perintendent Parton reported that the city’s two new lift stations are working well.

.. Reviewed the Zoning, Building, and Code Enforcement Report submitted by Jim Butler.

According to Butler, he issued two building permits for a total of $70 during the month of February.

He also conducted seven building inspections and issued one certificate of occupancy.

.. Voted to approve a permanent sign for the new high school, located off of Metasville Road.

.. Heard the Police Department Report given by Chief Jim Justice, who indicated that his department received 184 calls for service during the month of February.

“These calls ranged from simple battery to aggravated assault,” said the chief. “There were two calls involving stabbings and one dealing with a suspect discharging a .45-caliber pistol during a family dispute.”

.. Agreed that the Lincoln-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce will submit a proposal, including a budget, for the use of Hotel/Motel Tax Funds.

.. Voted to grant the chamber permission to put up two banners announcing the “Grill and Chill” festival. It was stipulated that the group will have to consult with the chief of police regarding placement of the signs.

.. Voted to move forward on replacing the roof at City Hall at Mayor Brown’s discretion. The work will be done by Southern Roofing.

.. Voted to table awarding a contract for information technology infrastructure support services until the council could interview Dan Standard, the low bidder for the job.

.. Was informed by Mayor Brown that a portion of Lilly Way will be paved under the DOT’s Local Assistance Road Program (LARP).

.. Agreed to continue to seek bids to install a pipe under the pavement on Morningside Drive in preparation for resurfacing under LARP. The final decision will be made via a phone poll of the council.

The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.