After some consideration, the Smithfield City Council approved of Ordinance 11-08 Thursday night, which allowed the annexation of a 10.10 acre plot of land East of Lee’s. They also approved a resolution amending the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget for Smithfield City.

The land, located at 950 South and 250 East, is owned by Lowell and Nanette King, who requested that it be annexed into the corporate limits of Smithfield City. The land is classified as being in the A-10 District of the agricultural zone, but it is currently being considered for development of housing units. The council felt that the land would not stay agricultural.

Concern was expressed by council member Kris Monson that developing the land for residential purposes would put too many people in too close a space, with housing units already in place in the surrounding area.

Ryan Rogers, who presented development plans, said that the plans for the area do incorporate green space, a pool, and a clubhouse. Rogers added that no one wants to buy a house next to housing units, and that already limits its future use.

The council gave a full vote of approval of annexation to maintain some control of the property, the future of which will be discussed at a later date.

The council voted to approve Resolution 11-09, the amendment of Smithfield City’s fiscal year budget, which increased by $282,807.44. Major expenditures in 2010-2011 were due to the need of repairs and construction of general government buildings.

Jackie Hancock’s appointment to the City Planning Commission was approved, as were the appointments of next year’s Youth Council advisors.

Monson introduced Arbor Day poster contest winners present at the meeting. They were: Clarissa Nielson, First Grader, Sam Thatcher, 2nd Grader, and Kaylee Hatcher, 3rd Grader.

The report on Health Days was positive, and the council commended the Recreation Center for their work with it. Issues that were brought up and may be discussed in a later meeting are: the consideration of equipping Forrester Acres with rodeo shoots and some public interest in moving the parade back to Main Street. Problematic areas in the route were also discussed, and they may be policed next year for smoother patron exit.

Susan Barrus reported that the Children’s Theater once again had a successful year. Next year they will be presenting Alice in Wonderland.

Amy Andersen, a liaison for the National Children’s Study, presented their cause to make council members more aware of the study. Women ages 18-49 who are pregnant or expecting to be can call to take part in it. Their child will be monitored until age 21, and data from that study will be analyzed to discover what parts of a child’s environment greatly impact its health.

The council briefly mentioned the police building, which will be completed next week, the successful flood prevention efforts of the city, and the postponement of the Health Days fireworks, which may still happen this summer or which may be moved to next year’s celebration.