City Manager Joseph Scherer said in his report to council this evening construction of a new driveway to facilitate heavy equipment for the demolition of the pool at the center will start soon. He and parks and recreation Director John Simeon have a meeting Wednesday with Chaloner Middle School to discuss the plans as the construction equipment driveway will be by the school.

Scherer’s report comes after the city was notified on August 24 it was awarded $200,000 from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for the project. With $150,000 awarded earlier from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and a $50,000 local match, the city has $400,000 for the project.

Public works will lay the new driveway to the rec center and can work during school hours with a construction fence, Scherer said.

Simeon has sent in paperwork to Kate B. Reynolds to release the funds the charitable trust awarded to the city. It is expected the city should receive the funds by the end of the month or early October.

“I am extremely pleased,” Councilman Carl Ferebee, who represents that area, said following the meeting. “It looks they will have the funds to do the splash pad and further enhancements.”

Other matters

Scherer also reported the following:

A business use permit was received for the former Joy J’s location on Roanoke Avenue. A high-end consignment shop is being proposed for use there.

Greg Edwards submitted a business use permit for the former Shell Furniture building.

The city received its first monthly payment of $20,000 from Tom and Evon McLean.