Slayden looking at grants, donations to fund proposed beautification projects

New Slayden Mayor Gary Hodges continues to make beautification a priority as the town is investigating grants and seeking donations for several projects. At Tuesday night’s meeting, Slayden commissioners voted to create the Slayden Beautification Fund to begin accepting donations. Engineer Neal Westerman also talked with the commission about several grants that are available. Using a recent grant obtained by the town of Charlotte as an example, Westerman said Slayden could create a master plan to develop a walking trail that could include sidewalks. He told commissioners the town would have to have funds for a matching portion and there are “a lot of hoops to jump through.” Hodges outlined plans to install three flagpoles, a veterans monument and a sign celebrating the town’s upcoming centennial at the community center, as well as possibly seeking a historical marker. Hodges said he plans to meet with a local auxiliary of the Marine Corps to see what assistance it can provide with the flagpole project. He said he would also like to possibly have a contest to design a flag for Slayden to fly alongside the U.S. and Tennessee flags. Hodges said he would like to start holding work sessions prior to the commission’s monthly meetings to provide more time for discussions. The commission also voted to change its monthly meetings from 7:30 to 7 pm on the last Tuesday of each month.