Council to consider providing benefits to volunteer firefighters

GREENBRIER The Greenbrier City Council took the first step in offering retirement benefits to the city's volunteer fire fighters at the regular meeting Monday night. Greenbrier currently has 26 volunteer firefighters and the city doesn't provide any benefits.

The council members are considering LOPFI Retirement Benefits, which offers a monthly retirement benefit of $5.26 for each year of active service, with a maximum payout of $200 a month. Councilman Dean Strickland pointed out that many surrounding fire departments, including the Beaverfork Volunteer Fire Department, offer LOPFI benefits.

The council agreed to invite a LOPFI representative to the next council meeting to discuss different plans and the projected cost to the city.

In other business, the council approved a variance to the city sign ordinance for the owners of the Greenbrier Crown Center. The current ordinance limits signs to 100 square feet. According to the business owners in the center, the current sign is small and difficult to see until drivers are at the intersection of Highway 65 and Wilson Farm Road. "You can't see it until the nose of your car is in the intersection," said city attorney Bill Velek. The new sign will be 144 square feet, but will be farther back from the highway's edge.

The council also approved a zone change for 159 S. Broadview Street from 0-1 to C-2 for Ray McIntyre, who plans to open a business specializing in farm equipment. The council also approved a special use permit allowing McIntyre to sell construction equipment that doesn't exceed 30,000 pounds. Alderman Mary Anne Freeman voiced concern about the layout of the business. "I want it to look nice," she said. "In the past we've rushed into things and a while later been sick of looking at it."

McIntyre showed the council plans for the building and the lot, with the heavier equipment being displayed behind the building.

The council also agreed to pay half the $12,000 a year salary for a part-time employee for the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber has agreed to play the other half of the salary. Mayor Melton Cotton told the council that the employee would be responsible for promoting the city and her first job would be securing funding to pay her salary for the second year.

"This is something that's been needed," he said. "We need to start promoting this city."