The Italy City Council voted to reduce its rental rates for the Boze Community Center at its monthly meeting held Monday evening.

Teri Murdock, city secretary/administrator, said the city has not gotten the activity they anticipated and proposed rental and deposit rates be reduced. Her suggestion, which was unanimously approved by the council, reduces the rates to $30 per hour with no minimum hours. The deposit rate was dropped from $250 to $200 with $100 refundable. The hourly rates had been $40 per hour with a minimum of four hours rental, in addition to the deposit.

Murdock said the alcohol usage policy will not change but said the rates need to be reduced in order for the community center to be utilized.

The council also unanimously approved a sign variance request from Dennis Durrett and Von Dawson with Plaza Dine, Inc. for Taco Bell.

Durrett requested a 290 square foot sign at 100’ tall to be located near I-35E. He said the other signs at the other two intersections are 90’ tall. He said the Taco Bell sign needs to be 100’ tall in order to be clearly seen on the interstate in both directions. Taco Bell will be located in the old truck wash area located at the intersection of I-35E and LR Campbell Road.

During citizen comments, Carl Cash said he has sewer issues at his home that have been ongoing for the past three months and said he is ready for it to be repaired. He said the city expects things from the citizens and the citizens expect the city to do the things they are required to do.

During department reports, Italy Police Chief Diron Hill said the officers have been busy with several incidents occurring in November. Officers were called to service 233 times, made 18 arrests and worked 1,795 hours. The animal control officer was called to service 29 times, picked up eight animals and issued two citations. The code enforcement officer was called to service 19 times.

Dean Carrell, public works director, said they have several large projects in front of them. He said water lines need replacing in several locations and the lift station on Taylor Street needs major maintenance.

Murdock said the Christmas festival, held early in December, was a major success. She praised those who made donations. Without them, she said, the event would not have been as successful.

She said those wanting to purchase “bricks” for the pavilion should do so by Jan. 1. Bricks are $30 and may be purchased at city hall.

She said the paperwork is being approved for the property switch with the Family Dollar Store.

Council members approved minutes from the previous meeting, bills and earned compensatory time.

The mayor and council members praised the city workers for their hard work and wished those in the community happy holidays.

Council member Dennis Perkins Jr. was not present at the meeting.