TOOL—The City of Tool proclaimed April to be child abuse awareness and prevention month during the April 18 regular city council meeting. Mayor Mike Dumont read the proclamation stating, “Children are Henderson County’s next generation of leaders and our brightest rays of hope for the future. Child abuse and neglect not only directly harm children, but also increase the likelihood of long term physical and mental health problems, alcohol and substance abuse criminal behavior and poverty.” The proclamation continues stating that child maltreatment is a community problem and finding solutions depends on the involvement of the community. Henderson County HELP Center Chief Executive Officer Leslie Saunders expressed her appreciation to the council after Dumont read the proclamation and explained the many services provided to the children at the center and how long the children are in the center’s care. 
The council also heard of the city’s new MyGov website to apply for a permit, manage contractor or property owner registrations, apply for a business license or short-term rental license, report code violations, and submit requests. The link has been posted on the City of Tool’s Facebook page and a link through the city’s website. 
Also discussed during the meeting was the review and approval of bid tabulations received for a city hall addition. The bids were first presented to City Council at the March regular council meeting where four builders provided their bids. Lakeside Construction and Remodel, Ackley Custom Homes and New Beginnings Custom Homes were asked to provide a detailed estimate bid. After council reviewed the bids, a motion was made to approve the bid from Lakeside Construction and Remodel for $751,712. Council Member Vera Bennett voted no to the motion. 
In other business, council:
• Approved monthly activity reports as presented to include (A) Executive Summary (B) Financial and Expenditure (C) Municipal Court (D) Police (E) Maintenance (F) Building (G) Code Enforcement and (H) Animal Control. 
• Approved minutes from the March 13 council workshop and the March 21 regular meeting. 
• Approved a request by Dee Ann Russell of 1017 Doe Run of the Cedarcrest Shores Subdivision to replat Lot 221, Lot 222 and Lot 223 creating one 0.35-acre lot, Lot 221-R. 
• Approved the adoption of an amendment to Appendix A: Schedule of Uses, in regard to the Local and General Business District for adding a “Y” in the Business District One Zoning designation to allow a car wash. 
• Approved the creation of a Type B Economic Development Corporation. 
• Approved the adoption of Ordinance 2024-05, Mowing Fees.