Oct. 24--New bike racks will soon pop up in downtown Seymour, thanks to the efforts of local cycling enthusiasts.

Speaking on behalf of the Jackson County Bicycle Club, Bill Bailey, president of the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce, requested permission from city officials this week to install the racks at designated locations downtown.

"We're looking at placing three racks, one in front of the chamber, another at City Hall and one at the police station," Bailey said. "I was reluctant to ask for one in front of the Community Agency Building because there is a lot of pedestrian traffic there."

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved the club's request during a meeting Thursday morning at City Hall.

Funds needed to pay for the project will be raised by the club, so it won't cost the city any money, Bailey said.

He said the racks would be made of black, tubular steel and would be connected to the sidewalks. The racks will allow cyclists to attach their bikes by the tire or seat, he added.

"They would allow for five bikes to be connected to them, but I imagine there would only be one or two at any given time," he said.

Bailey said he chose the chamber as a location because of its proximity to One Chamber Square.

"It would be nice to have for events that are held there," he said.

To add an artistic element for a more aesthetically pleasing look, the racks will be shaped like bicycles, Bailey said. Jackson County Public Library incorporated a similar idea with its bicycle rack, which spells out the word "Books."

The purpose behind the project, Bailey said, is to provide a place for people to safely put their bikes while downtown.

"Right now, bikes are just thrown down, blocking the sidewalks," he said. "The idea is if you provide a place for them to put their bike, maybe they will."

In other business Thursday, the Board of Public Works and Safety:

Tabled a request from Jeff Vance, Park and Recreation director, for approval of a five-year contract with Pepsi-Cola to provide beverage supplies for the parks. City attorney Rodney Farrow said he had not had a chance to review the contract. The city's existing contract is with Coca-Cola.

Approved a request from Seymour Main Street to close South Chestnut Street from the CSX railroad tracks to Jackson County Bank and St. Louis Avenue from Walnut Street to Jeffersonville Avenue from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. Nov. 30 for the annual Downtown Christmas event. The board also gave permission for Main Street to use eight city picnic tables and a fire truck for the event.

Approved a request to block off Lynn Parking Lot Oct. 24 and 25 for placement of a lift to perform work on the This Old Guitar building.

Approved sewer connections for Wallace Pfaffenberger Inc. for Lot 1 Hoevener Addition and David Childes for 123 E. 13th St.

Approved sewer bill adjustments for Richard Lucas for 632 Woodside Court; Karen Sinegard for 1571 New Ford Road; James Sauerheber for 421 N. Broadway and Jamestown Apartments for 715, 745, 747 and 749 Miller Lane.

Approved a request from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925 to hold its annual Poppy Sales on Nov. 6 at the corner of Second and Walnut streets.

Received a claim for damages for a broken door from Janet Fitch, 937 Elm St., caused by the Seymour Police Department. The board forwarded the matter to the city's insurance carrier.

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