During their regular monthly meeting, the Urania Town Council received the news that the town was awarded around $2,509,000.00 in grant money to be used toward upgrades and needed maintenance on the town’s sewer system. Mayor Ivy was thrilled to share the positive news with the Council at Monday night’s meeting.

“We applied for a sewer grant through the DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality). Though we didn’t get the full grant amount, we got a $2-million grant,” Mayor Ivy said. “On top of that, to make it even better, on Friday out of nowhere, we got a $509,000.00 grant from Delta Regional Authority.”

Mayor Ivy also told the Council that he planned to talk with the town’s engineer first thing the following morning and discuss options for using the grant money. The town will have a year to use the grant money toward any sewer projects.

“We will try to have a plan available by the next meeting (in January) or at least by February’s for the Board’s approval,” Mayor Ivy stated.

The Council also approved of paying November bills and several department reports.

According to the water report, Mayor Ivy reported that a leak was found on the ground storage tank (GST) and generators are being checked and maintenance being made if needed.

“We have a crew in to go through our generators and make sure they are working and service them if needed,” Mayor Ivy stated. “And, we had a leak on the ground storage tank. Chris is in the process of getting somebody to fix that for us.”

During the police report, Mayor Ivy reported that the department issued 67 citations with a total of $19,870.34 collected during the month of November.

According to the fire department report, the department answered two calls for the month of November, one a truck fire and the other an assist to the Jena and Tullos departments with a woods and grass fire.

Police Juror Tim Lasiter was present to provide the Police Jury report.

“I am hoping work will begin soon on trimming low hanging branches on the road behind the Junior High,” Lasiter explained. “Also, we put a culvert in on that road, because water was coming in down the hill and washing an area of that road out.”

Lasiter said that there will be trimming done on several roads in that area. He also stated that work will soon take place on two sections of the Pentecostal Church Road, weather permitting.

According to the Mayor’s Comments, Mayor Ivy reminded the Council and town of upcoming holiday events, such as Santa in the Square on Thursday, December 14. The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Urania Town Square, where Santa and the Grinch will make an appearance. There will also be a Christmas Lighting Contest. For those who wish to participate, judging will take place Friday, December 15 and winners will be announced the following day.

“Also, Town Hall will be closed the 25th for Christmas and on January 1st for New Years,” Mayor Ivy reminded. “And there will be no trash pickup on Monday, Christmas Day. I just ask that people not leave their trash out all week.”