The city of Dunbar has a new ride.
In the first Council meeting of 2017, Dunbar City Council members accepted the donation of a miniature replica spaceship from resident Tom Pile.
The spaceship - made from Styrofoam - stands 6 feet tall and is 12 feet wide. Dunbar Mayor Terry Greenlee said he envisions putting the craft on display and using it during city events such as parades.
"We will find somewhere to use [the spaceship] and make it look good," Greenlee said. "It is a conversation piece."
Greenlee was first tipped off about the spaceship from another citizen. Mayor Greenlee recalled the citizen saying, "The spaceship has landed in Dunbar."
He went to check out the address on his lunch break and there it was.
"I thought 'How cool is this?'" Greenlee said. "About three weeks later, Tom Pile showed up with the offer and I accepted."
From what Greenlee knows, the spaceship initially was designed for the Charleston Town Center. However, the mall did not end up utilizing the piece and ended up storing in the former Montgomery Ward store area, Greenlee said. The spaceship remained there until BrickStreet Insurance Mutual Company moved in and then it was moved from the area, he said.
The craft currently is stored in the city's garage. The ship wasn't too hard to move, Greenlee said. Its wings are removable and the entire craft is lightweight, Greenlee said.
Council also authorized the mayor the settle personnel disputes for less than $12,000. The move stems from Council realizing the city's insurance policy has a $25,000 deductible associated with potential personnel issues.
The move isn't necessarily tied to any direct action or complaint, Greenlee said.
Also on Tuesday, Council also presented its awards for Christmas floats and house decorations. There was standing room only.
People are taking pride in Dunbar and enjoy it looking nice, Greenlee said.
In other news, Council:
n Heard from Larry Bailey on a preview for the 2017 Dunbar car show to be held Aug. 19.
n Received an update on the city's senior center. Greenlee originally expected the center to open by Thanksgiving but hope for a spring open house.