The Hampton City Council voted at its September 8 regular meeting to approve a $645,704.54 bid from Piedmont Paving for the first phase of planned road improvements to West Main Street. The vote to approve was unanimous.

  Also approved unanimously was a special event request from Rutabaga’s which covers four separate events scheduled for September 26, October 30, November 7 and December 12. The approved hours each day are 5-9 p.m. The events, which include live music and other entertainment, will require the closure of James Street between East Main Street and Cherry Street.

  The council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s fire prevention code to allow officials to conduct life safety plan reviews. In conjunction with that action, a resolution was unanimously approved establishing a fee schedule for the life safety plan review, including inspections and permit fees.

  Three other first readings of new ordinances were approved. They address development impact fees, sidewalks, and distribution of fees associated with municipal court. All three votes were unanimous.

  Included as part of the record of the meeting was a memo from city manager Alex Cohilas commending city employee Keenan Loundy for his recent performance. A 14-year U.S. Navy veteran, Loundy has been with the city for five years and works in the wastewater treatment department.

  Recently he obtained his Class III wastewater operator license, completing a course with the Georgia Water and Wastewater Institute and passing a battery of tests which Cohilas compared to obtaining a chemistry degree.

  “Keenan’s dedication to the city of Hampton is manifest through both his actions and the progression of his career which stands as an example to all his coworkers,” Cohilas stated. “I applaud his work ethic and dedication.”   The council also presented the R.W. Coley Community Service Award to former mayor and council member Chris Moore for his recent volunteer work on behalf of the city.