MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro City Council met in regular session on Tuesday. While the agenda was limited to six items, three audience members interjected with questions for the council.

WANO/WFXY Station Manager Brian O’Brien consulted with the council on ways in which citizens can voice their questions and concerns. Councilman Gary Mills quickly answered O’Brien, “Well, there are nine people here that they can talk to. They are certainly welcome here, they may be shy, but I think we’re a friendly group. They can call city hall or the city department heads as well.”

O’Brien brought the question to the board in light of his recent “Town Hall Meeting” radio show, which he indicated that he plans to do on a monthly basis. The next show will take place on April 30, according to O’Brien.

Another audience member brought up the topic of tables at the Middlesboro Civic Center. The gentlemen making the inquiry did so in planning for the September Noetown Reunion. He said that in years past, there weren’t enough tables at the civic center for the sizable group. Another representative of the Noetown Reunion asserted that this will be the 14th Annual Noetown Reunion. She went on to say that the reunion is an event that the town should take notice of, as it draws in crowds from out-of-town.

In response to the gentleman’s inquiry, Safety Director James Pursifull indicated that he would check on the number of tables and condition of the tables. The group also indicated that they would add a new refrigerator to the kitchen at the civic center.

During the Community Development Committee report, Councilman Larry Thacker commended the Bell County Tourism Commission for their completion of the gazebo on 12th Street. Councilman Ronnie Carter commended the Middlesboro Police Department for their recent drug bust and asked that they concentrate on the “mall area” in the future, as he heard several complaints about that area while listening to the “Town Hall Meeting” radio show.

Councilman Mills requested that the Street Department erect a street light on Robinson Drive off 31st Street.

The council approved the following agenda items:

Approved the minutes of the regular meeting held on Tuesday, March 18.

Approved the second reading of an ordinance amendment relating to sewer regulations.

Opened and considered bids for city asphalt.

All council members were in attendance with the exception of Councilman Hank Barnes.

Brandy Calvert is the Senior Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. Contact her via e-mail at bmurray@middlesborodailynews.com.