By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Columbiana City Council is in the process of reviving the city’s Parks and Recreation Board, and they are currently seeking applications.

In a city council meeting Oct. 1, council members Ricky Ruston and Leslie Whiting said they were interested in reinstating the board, which has seen a decline in active members in recent years, to increase recreational opportunities within the city. They announced they were seeking members at a meeting Oct. 15.

The board will promote “public interest and participation in sports, athletics and recreational activities,” according to the city of Columbiana website.

Whiting said anyone who is interested and a resident of the city of Columbiana should apply. Only city residents will be eligible.

“People need to have that input in the city’s recreation,” Whiting said. “Having them involved in it I think will make it more successful.”

Whiting also said he hoped the board will provide some less prevalent recreational activities, such as chess and checkers.

Board members will be appointed by the city council after the council conducts interviews, and meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Anyone interested in applying should submit a letter of interest to Columbiana City Hall, 107 Mildred Street, Columbiana, by the next city council meeting, or Nov. 5. Letters of interest can also be emailed to Helen Dean at hdean@cityofcolumbiana.com.

In other business:

-The city is on the lookout to purchase a trolley bus to start a new, Columbiana transit system.

“So far we’re getting outbid everywhere,” said mayor Stancil Handley, noting the city is looking for a used trolley because new ones cost about $200,000. “We’re still bidding.”

Handley also said the council is “knee-deep” in budget discussions, and he expects to have a rough draft to present to the council at a work session Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.

“Bring your pajamas,” Handley said. “I’m hoping we can go all the way through the budget next Tuesday night, reach an agreement and pass it at the next council meeting,” which will be Nov. 5.