CHESAPEAKE — The bulk of Monday’s meeting of Chesapeake council was dedicated to discussing the replacement of electronic equipment damaged by a July 2 lightning strike.

The fire department has received two checks for $31,000, including insurance coverage and the council had to approve the purchase of new equipment.

“We can’t just write a blank check,” Mayor Tommy Templeton said, adding that procedure calls for invoices.

Equipment such as computers, copy machines and radio were damaged by the strike.

After purchases were approved and the bill for radio service was paid, the department had $1,000 left to spend, Templeton said.

Cheryl Crum, the secretary of the department, said they would look into options for security system purchases and get back with council.

In other business, the council:

• Accepted the corporation contract for the Chesapeake-Union Volunteer Fife Department.

• Discussed council member Danny Burd’s suggestion changing Riverside Drive to a one-way street and banning parking on its north side. Templeton said he would work on an ordinance on the one-way change, which would require three readings, while Burd said he would go door-to-door with petitions to gather neighborhood input.

• Thanked Josh Cooper for, who is leaving the street department, for 10 years of service.
“You’re going to be missed,” Templeton said. “We appreciate what you’ve done and enjoyed working with you.”

• Discussed filling Cooper’s potion in executive session. No action was taken, though one person in attendance, who was interested in the job, was asked to submit an application.