Billiards proposal on council agenda

By Mark Wineka

mwineka@salisburypost.com

Vaughn Ruth, a Salisbury police officer, has plans to open a billiard hall next to Kidsports Skates at 2129 Statesville Blvd.

Ruth has applied to the city of Salisbury for a permit to allow eight pool tables at the location adjoining the skating rink.

Ruth does not plan to serve alcohol, according to the application.

Salisbury City Council will hold a public hearing Tuesday before considering the permit request.

Council meets at 4 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 217 S. Main St.

In another matter, council will consider awarding a $280,000 contract to KKA Architecture for the design and project management of a cable operations facility and city customer service center on South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

A capital budget for the city's new fiber-optic cable utility includes $4 million toward the design, construction and equipment for this new facility.

It will be built this year on a 4.5-acre site at South Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Harris Street.

In other agenda items Tuesday, council will:

- Take public comment and discuss the designation of a Downtown Area Urban Progress Zone for 2008-2009.

- Hold a public hearing on a city application for a Neighborhood Stabilization Grant, offered by the N.C. Department of Commerce's Division of Community Assistance.

- Receive a presentation from the Corriher Lipe Middle School Mix It Up Council.

- Receive presentations of highlights and goals from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Hurley Park Advisory Board and Tree Board.

- Proclaim Jan. 19 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Salisbury.

Council meetings are streamed live at www.salisburync.gov/council/webcast.html.