LOPD officers Jason Rhoden, Lucas Smith and Ryan MacFadden were recognized during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

LIVE OAK — Three Live Oak Police Department Officers were recognized during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Officers Ryan MacFadden, Jason Rhoden and Lucas Smith were presented with a certificate and letter of commendation for their actions on July 8, 2018.

On Sunday, July 8, the officers responded to a report of smoke billowing from a residence on Spruce Street in Live Oak. They heard a call for help from inside the residence, forced entry inside the home and found a man trapped under furniture that had fallen on him.

The three officers pulled the man from the structure. The victim was transported to Shands Live Oak to be treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. He was released and is fully recovered.

“Myself, as well as all members of the Live Oak Police Department, are proud of the efforts of these men that resulted in life-saving action,” LOPD Chief Buddy Williams said before handing the officers their certificate. “It’s selfless acts that make these men great.”

Gas expansion approved

The council unanimously voted to award TB Landmark Construction Inc. of Jacksonville with a contract for a natural gas expansion project at Tuesday’s meeting as well.

The amount of the project is $472,945.81.

“The council considered moving in this direction and that is the expansion of our natural gas available north on State Road 129 out to and past I-10,” said City Manger Ron Williams.

“We have a number of businesses that are interested in utilizing natural gas. We have another shopping center we expect to come in the next six months that will also want natural gas. For the future of the business community and commercial development in Live Oak, the expansion of our gas service is necessary.

“We believe that once this availability is there, that it will be attractive to other potential users of this service.”

Electrical contractor services

The council also unanimously voted in favor of using Wood’s Electrical Services of Live Oak for electrical contractor services.

“We thought we would put together specification and go after a bid to make sure we have in place electrical service to take care of some of our critical locations,” Williams said. “As an example, flag pole issues at the cemetery. Our Lift stations, we have water issues there and need electrical services.

“The benefit to the administration is that we have in place a contractor. We’re not piecemealing when it comes to taking care of an emergency.”

Williams said the hiring of an electrical contractor will cost up to $60,655.

Economic development

The council approved a resolution to authorize the city into an agreement with Bright Stars Academy Inc. — a child care center that is building a facility on 11th Street — relating to economic development.

The passed resolution will allow Mayor Frank Davis to sign an official agreement. The end amount awarded will be no more than $32,619 over seven years.