The Italy Economic Development Corporation voted to set rental rates for the Boze Community Center at its monthly meeting Monday evening.

Following a lengthy discussion, Darrell Rosemond made a motion to charge $50 per hour with a minimum usage of four hours and a $250 deposit with $50 refundable. If alcohol is being served, they require a certified peace officer on site at the rate of one officer per 75 people. A second was made by Randy Boyd with a unanimous vote by those in attendance.

This will be a recommendation to the Italy City Council at its upcoming meeting next week.

They also discussed how to get rid of furniture inside the community center that they will not use.

Elmerine Bell and Joyce Hobbs suggested a silent auction with a minimum bid. They said they will keep several pieces of furniture and stackable chairs for the community center but have at least 12 sofas, five love seats, 27 chairs and numerous end tables, coffee tables and lamps to sell.

Mark Stiles, president, said he met with Charles and Jimmy Hyles regarding the property across from city hall. They discussed putting a roof of some type on the property after a new base is installed.

Bell suggested they wait on any renovations at that site until the community center is completed.

Teri Murdock, city secretary/administrator, said Roof Time Contractors of Midlothian was to have replaced the roof on the building last week but were delayed because of the rain.

Stiles appointed Tom Little, Hobbs and Charles Hyles to serve on a subcommittee to come up with possible usages for the property across from city hall. He said options are endless for this property. For instance, he said this could be made usable for festivals, a war memorial could be constructed or the Corley Bell Tower could be relocated to that site.

He appointed Bell, Boyd and Rosemond to serve on a subcommittee for the community center. This committee will recommend what upgrades/repairs need to be made at that site.

Little said the exterior of the building needs to be painted now, not in six months.

In other business, Skyler McMann, a representative from the Masonic Lodge, addressed the IEDC regarding poison ivy that is growing behind the former McConnell Furniture building. He said the ivy is growing into their building next door and trees are growing into the roofline.

Murdock said she thought the city had sprayed the poison ivy. Stiles told McMann that the issue would be addressed.

The IEDC also approved minutes from the previous meeting and financial reports.

Hyles was not present at the meeting.