Ripley board OKs leaf-bag switch, selects depository, approves police taser trial and other routine business

The Ripley Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Sept. 8 voted to authorize a switch to year-round bagged leaf collection, designated Security Bank and Trust Company as the city—s official depository, approved a 14-day police taser trial and took other routine actions, while hearing departmental updates including recent shootings and arrests, city staff said.

The board voted, without recorded dissent where not noted, to allow Public Works to require bagged leaf pickup rather than use the city—s leaf-vacuum machine. Alderman Austin moved the measure and Alderman Kealey seconded. Mayor Fitzhugh declared the motion adopted after a voice vote.

The decision followed a discussion about equipment costs and timing: Public Works described that its existing machine would not last through the coming season, that a comparable new machine could cost about $90,000 and a different model about $120,000, and that ordered equipment would not arrive before January. Department staff…