Angel’s Closet has given the Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Department a $15,000 donation to be used for youth sports.

The city council on Tuesday approved a budget amendment to reflect the receipt of the funds following a report by Finance Director Carmen Johnson.

City Manager Kelly Traynham said, “Fifteen-thousand dollars is a significant donation from a charitable organization, and we certainly extend our sincere gratitude to Angel’s Closet and especially Mr. Gilbert Portela for their generosity and their dedication to youth sports in our community. We’ll be sure to use the money for good purposes, including the intent for the donation.”

Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Daughtry said the department is currently working on a document for the youth leagues it partners with so they can make funding requests that will directly impact the children participating. The money can be used for equipment and athletic facility enhancements.

Any remaining funding will be used to make improvements to the youth basketball league and additional athletic facility improvements, Daughtry said.

Ledgerwood bleachers

The council also addressed the replacement of equipment at Ledgerwood Field. 

Johnson presented a budget amendment for the bleachers, which were damaged during a storm in May of last year.

Reimbursement for the bleachers — $10,500 — was received last July and was processed as a deposit for the prior fiscal year since that is when the storm occurred. The money reverted to the fund balance when the fiscal year closed. “The bleachers are the only thing that has not been replaced,” Johnson said in a memo to the council. “The parks and rec department is now ready to order and replace them.”

Other matters

In her report to the council, Traynham noted the following:

The police department will hold a crime stats meeting Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the former space occupied by the Boys & Girls Club at 116 West Third Street.

A ribbon-cutting for the Emry Park Skatepark is planned for March 11 at 3 p.m. with Brightspeed, a contributor to the project. After the ribbon-cutting, a portion of the walking trail will be relocated behind the skatepark.

City staff has been directed to remove bandit signs from the public street rights of way that Traynham said are generally illegal and subject to removal by NCDOT or the governing municipality. “A variety of bandit signs are littered throughout the city, particularly at intersections or posted on utility poles,” she said. “We understand that these signs cost money to make; therefore, removed signs will be temporarily stored for collection at the public works complex at 1313 Hinson Street.”

The signs are allowed on private property with permission of the landowner. Businesses with legitimate needs to advertise are encouraged to contact the planning department. Political signs will not be removed unless an immediate life- or safety-threat exists.