AUTRYVILLE — Town leaders got their first glimpse at what Autryville’s new picnic shelter will look during Tuesday’s board meeting, and all indicated they were pleased with what they saw.

Currently under construction, the new facility will be 1,400 square feet, and will be available for use by the town’s residents.

“Of course, this is just a preliminary drawing,” said Mayor Pat Williams to the commissioners of the $10,000 facility, which has already been paid for.

Commissioner William Holden seemed to be completely enthusiastic with the drawing, stating, “All it needs is a some walls and a door.” He then joked that he could see himself living in it. Commissioners Ronald Long and Jean Cooper agreed that it was a “nice building.”

Continuing to examine the picture, Holden expressed that it actually looked large than the current posts that are located on the Williams Street lot.

Williams expressed that the drawing renders the same number of posts.

The mayor then mentioned that since they have plans to put a roof on the facility, the building will also require inspections.

Cooper then asked, “Do you have to pay for a permit?” Williams expressed that they will, but she was not sure how much it would cost.

Long then brought up the idea of having power available there. Immediately, Holden expressed that this may not be a good idea, noting how people may hook up their radios there, etc.

Williams clarified that if any power were to go to the facility, it would be a light pole.

Condemnation officer

After receiving some flack from town residents about her experience, Cooper also announced her resignation as the town’s condemnation officer one month after being appointed to the post.

“I have heard a lot of people complaining that I am not experienced, and I agree that I am not qualified,” Cooper noted.

Saddened, Long stated, “I will accept it, but I don’t like it.”

Holden agreed, “If you are not qualified, no one else is qualified.” He then pointed out that he is not even sure what the qualifications are to be the town’s representative in judging whether a house should be condemned or not.

Long added, “Ain’t none of us who have experience to be it.” Long, a minister, joked, “I preach condemnation, but I don’t think that is the kind we are referring to.”

He then expressed, “I wish you would stay on.”

The commissioners then began contemplating who should fill the post.

Williams expressed that commissioner Mickey Spell, who was absent, could not do it, and she also noted that commissioner Grover Autry was recovering from an illness and likely wouldn’t be able to handle the post.

Holden then noted, “no matter what, we have to abide by the county.”

Long then motioned for Holden to be accepted as the new enforcement officer. Cooper seconded it, and he was approved as the new condemnation officer.

Following the vote, Holden said, “I always knew that I would get roped into doing it.”

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@heartlandpublications.com.