The donation of exercise equipment and the offer of additional equipment at a discounted price will help give the public more options when they go to T.J. Davis and Chaloner recreation centers as well as participate in wellness programs at the Jo Story Senior Center.
The donation of equipment from Northern Carolina Orthopedics and the offer of equipment from a wellness center which went out of business was discussed during tonight's city council work session.
The orthopedics company is donating seven pieces of equipment to the city, according to a memo from City Manager Paul Sabiston. "The request from NCO was to make this equipment available to the public and to those that may not otherwise have access to such equipment in an effort to educate the public on the general need for overall wellness."
The city will also be able to buy 11 pieces of mainly Cybex equipment from the T.J. Davis Endowment Fund, the memo notes. The fund, which has not been touched in about 10 years, has $11,378 in it.
The offer of equipment is different than discussion last year of having a membership driven fitness center at T.J. Davis, Sabiston told council.
Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon told council, addressing a concern by council member Suetta Scarbrough, there would be some supervision of equipment use. although he couldn't guarantee it would be constant supervision.
Scarbrough said she would be interested in installing a camera system so employees could watch those using the equipment. "I think it's a wonderful idea and am all for it since it's free."
Sabiston said one of the donors has agreed to come out and offer nutritional and work out tips once the equipment is installed.
Councilman Ed Liverman also noted the city was not interested in buying five to 10 pieces of new equipment each year, "To go into the gym business. We're not trying to compete with them. It might expose people to that lifestyle and lead them to those businesses."
Greg Lawson made the motion to accept the donated equipment and use the trust fund to buy the other equipment. His motion was seconded by Scarbrough and passed unanimously.
In other matters tonight council:
Was told by police Chief Jeff Hinton the Roanoke Rapids magistrate's office would no longer be open on nights and weekends. During those times officers would have to travel to Halifax, which would increase fuel consumption and tie up officers longer.
Was told by fire Chief Gary Corbet the fire department was entering into written mutual aid agreements with the Davie and Rheasville volunteer fire departments and the Weldon Fire Department. There has never been a written agreement, Corbet explained, only a verbal agreement.
Was told by Bill Dreitzler of ms consultants a short list of sites for a proposed solid waste transfer station should be ready by council's February meeting. After consideration of those sites another public hearing would be held.
