Aldermen proceed with library remodel plan

Clarendon aldermen approved the concept of remodeling the Burton Memorial Library during a called meeting last Monday, August 20.

Architect Tim White of Amarillo discussed the proposed project at the library. The plan calls for renovating storage space, dead space, and an unused bathroom to create an enlarged meeting area at the rear of the building.

The project is expected to cost about $50,000 and will be paid for from money donated to the library by the estate of Mary Stocking McConnell.

An earlier plan to remodel the unfinished second floor of the library has been discarded due to concerns about accessibility and additional operating costs.

The current plan will make slight modifications to the existing stairwell to prevent heating and cooling from being lost into the upper floor.

Aldermen also approved White as the architect for the project.

The policy and procedure manual for the library was also discussed. Librarian Carolyn Blackerby and Alderman Smiley Johnson were appointed to work together on the manual and report back at the next board meeting.

In other city business, the board met in executive session and afterward reassigned City Clerk Linda Smith to the position of assistant city secretary in training with a salary increase.

The proposed budget for 2001-2002 was reviewed and changes made. The board approved a motion to set pay raises for city employees at two, three, and four percent based on a job evaluation chart.