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pride city wide,” he said.

He also provided instructions for the disposal of tree limbs and branches.

“Tree limbs and branches will be picked up curbside at your home. So, just make sure they’re on the curb, and they’ll be picked up,” Martin said.

“Our service department crews will pick up limbs and branches throughout the city,” Martin said. “Limbs and branches will be accepted at the dropoff site.” Also, place them away from guy-wires, he said.

In terms of infrastructure developments, Councilman Martin provided an update on the Brightspeed fiber-to-building premises project.

The project is on schedule to start this summer, and project engineers are finalizing the scope and lining up the contractors.

Martin noted that discussions on joint-use pole-attachment agreements have been productive.

He highlighted the agreement between the city of Shelby and Brightspeed, stating, “Both parties reviewed and agreed to exercise the language in Article 15, thus allowing the continuation of the current agreement to be utilized for Brightspeed.”

In addition, a 1982 current agreement will continue between the city and a modern-day successor to the other original signee, which was United Telephone more than 40 years ago. The new arrangement would include an amendment of the agreement’s name to reflect the current official registered entity, Brightspeed.

Martin also mentioned the absence of franchise

fees for Brightspeed due to its focus solely on internet service provision and not services such as Directtv or other TV streaming services as part of their offerings.

Separately, the council was briefed on upcoming legislation concerning auction items.

The city is collecting information on items no longer needed for municipal purposes. The information will be presented to the council, through legislation, for approval to sell. Online auction sites such as Municibid and Govdeals are being researched for this purpose, Martin said.

He also offered an update on the planned demolition of the old smokestack at the municipal light plant.

“That is moving along, and we’re still looking at around that $400,000 range, but sooner, the better, I say, get that taken care of,” he said. Safety issues have been cited such as materials falling from the smokestack.

Lastly, Councilman Martin informed the council and the public about the availability of community garden plots on the north side of the water treatment plant off North Gamble Street.

“The community garden plots have been tilled and are ready for planting season,” he said.

He encouraged gardening enthusiasts to visit the city website for more information on garden communications and reservation procedures.

“This is a great way for people who don’t have their own garden plots to garden. So have fun doing that,” Martin said.

For more information, contact the city utilities office at 419-342-4085 or visit the city’s website for updates.