Bond election informational meeting set for Feb. 26

A volunteer group has scheduled an informational meeting at 6 p.m., Feb. 26, at Metfield. The meeting is hosted by Citizens Helping Improve Public Safety, or CHIPS.

CHIPS co-chair Billie Hall said the presentation will feature Mayor Peter Christie, Police Chief James Graves and Fire Chief Steve Sims, who will be available to discuss and field questions about the upcoming municipal bond election and the proposed projects, including a razing and rebuilding of Fire Station 3, a new public safety complex and a fire training facility that these bonds will support if the voters approve them.

Hall said that, while the city hosted three town hall meetings, there hasn’t been a meeting on this side of town.

It was scheduled at 6 p.m. so working people in the area could attend, she explained, and it should provide residents with a good avenue for any last-minute questions.

The CHIPS group is comprised largely of people who attended the citizens’ police academy and want to see the ballot issues pass.

“We just really believe in this,” she said.

Hall said she believes the police and fire departments put in excellent work; they need improvements.

These improvements will benefit everyone in the city, she said.

“It’s for us, we’re the ones who are going to benefit from it,” she said.

Hall added that any churches, clubs or groups who would like to have the mayor and chiefs discuss these issues or tour the police or fire departments can call city hall at 479876-1255.