The Midway city council recently took steps to move forward their new city hall complex. The panel agreed to do a detailed landscaping plan for the site and allowed a change order needed for the new building’s sewer service.

Both actions were approved by 3-1 votes with Councilwoman Melice Gerace voting no. Council members T. Gerald Lee, Clemontine Washington and Henry Stevens Jr. voted in favor.

Several citizens appeared to object to blighted, abandoned and other undesirable buildings and properties. City officials are making a list of sites that may need intervention because of these problems.

The former Annie Mae’s Sweet Shoppe was one example mentioned. The building was marginal before several storms destroyed it. The remnants are unsightly and possible a health and safety risk.

Residents agreed to cooperate with Midway officials by letting them know when those inhabiting blighted buildings are present and can be contacted by the police department.

Council members voted to go behind closed doors to discuss vacant positions for a police officer and an executive assistant and solid waste fees. After the closed-door meeting officials said they had no current candidates for either job and had discussed no individual applicants, Solid Waste fees will remain unchanged for a year,

Midway has been without a city attorney since January when Richard Braun left that post. Midway’s efforts to engage a new city attorney have not been successful.

Washington, who chairs the Miss Midway event, said this year’s pageant will be held in June. The pageant is held in connection with the annual Midway Day festival.

The chairman of the Midway Day festival, Lee, presented a report on the successful event and thanked those who worked on the project. Certificates were presented to outstanding volunteers.

Parker can be contacted by email at joeparkerjr@hotmail.com.