Brookhaven aldermen were in the Christmas giving spiritTuesday.

Twice during their regular meeting, board members grantedwishes

Twice during their regular meeting, board members granted wishesover and above what was asked for by local organizations.

First, Military Memorial Museum founders Chad Smith, PaulJackson and Millard Smith asked the board to continue to payutility costs associated with operating the museum in the oldRailroad depot.

“We’ve gotten it in good condition and gotten a lot of thethings we need down there,” Jackson said.

The museum has been open about six months, and the men asked theboard to pay utilities for another year. Millard Smith said thatwould be about $700.

Alderman-at-large Les Bumgarner suggested the board payutilities until the end of the current term through June 2005,which would be about 18 months. The board approved his motion.

Millard and Chad Smith said interest in the museum is pickingup. They mentioned scout groups and elementary classes that areplanning on coming and the museum’s educational importance.

“There’s a lot of things they need to look at,” Chad Smithsaid.

Also Tuesday, Red Cross representative Kim Carr asked to boardto restore funding for the organization. Due to an oversight, thefunds were not requested during budget time.

Carr said the city has been giving $150 a month, but sherequested an increase to $200. She mentioned a tornado in Loyd Starearlier this year and three house fires in the last two weeks asexamples of where Red Cross services have been needed.

Aldermen were ready to approve the $200 a month, but went alongwith Ward Three Aldermen the Rev. Jerry L. Wilson’s suggestion for$250 a month. That would amount to $3,000 a year.

“It’s a needful thing,” Wilson said.

In other business, city officials will negotiate with Amtrak forcity maintenance of the train’s waiting area near the old depot.Amtrak has suggested twice a week clean up and is willing to paythe city for the service, said Jimmy Furlow, sign and trafficcoordinator.

“We’ve been doing it for free, but we’ll gladly do it forcharge,” said Mayor Bill Godbold, who suggested a $50 a monthfee.

Aldermen approved asking for $100 a month, but indicated thatcould be negotiated.

Also Tuesday, aldermen approved taking over maintenance of theKids’ Kingdom playground off Industrial Park Road. With the park ina flood plain, city officials were studying legal issues related tothe city’s maintenance control.

“There is no legal impediment to the city’s taking control ofit,” said City Attorney Joe Fernald.

With the playground in a flood plain, Fernald said the park willcontinue to flood during heavy rain periods and restrooms could notbe built at the site. Following a unanimous board vote, Fernaldwill now work on finalizing a deed and maintenance agreement.