New London puts geodes on display with new logo

By Karyn Spory, Mt. Pleasant News

NEW LONDON ? It?s official. New London now has a logo to go with its resurrected city slogan: ?Gateway to Geode State Park.?

On Tuesday, New London City Council members reviewed three final submissions before deciding on one they felt was simple enough, yet encompassed the spirit of the city and new slogan.

Steve Hunter, a former New London resident and graphic designer, designed the logo, which prominently features the city?s name, slogan and geode before a set of evergreen trees.

The logo was approved unanimously and will appear on the city?s letterhead and eventually city vehicles.

In construction-related business, after approving the final plat for the Adams Street subdivision, council member Kirk Miller said he felt it was imperative he and his fellow council members start thinking about the next subdivision.

?As long as it takes us to plan anything, we should be looking at where we want to develop next,? said Miller.

Council members have tossed around the idea of allowing a residential subdivision be built on South Pine Street. Miller suggested keeping that possible future subdivision in mind when it comes to developing infrastructure, such as sewer lines, so that it?s easier to connect one project to the other.

The council members did approve a quote from Williams Excavation for $22,824 for installing sanitary sewer lines for the West Adams Street subdivision.

As for the renovations to the park shelter house, the council members decided to have Jason Nehring, of Staley Nehring Construction, take a look at the structure and see what they could build with a $60,000 budget. ?Let?s get this done,? said councilman Dan Berner. ?We?ve got the summer, let?s get it done.?

Councilman Greg Malott said the $60,000 had already been earmarked for the project and he felt it was well worth the money, as the park shelter was something that would receive a lot of use.

Looking toward the future Community Hall, a building purchased at 103 West Washington Street, the council members agreed once more to have someone come in and look over the property and give the city a rundown of renovations that will need to take place.

?This is going to take some planning and will have to be done in phases,? said Malott.

In other business, the council:

? Approved having Steve and Michaela McLain perform at the July 29th concert in the park and car show. The McLains will be paid $500 for their performance.

? Discussed changing the no parking ordinance to prohibit parking on the west side of North Division Street.

? Approved employing Spencer Rider as a part-time police officer. Rider works as a Henry County Sheriff?s Deputy.

The New London City Council will meet again in regular session on Monday, May 2, 2017, at 6 p.m., in the City Office.