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 said the city traditionally collects leaves with a vacuum from Nov. 1 through March 31, but recommended moving to bagged pickup to reduce drainage clogs and roadside leaf dumping.

Police Chief (name not stated) told the board the department has investigated three recent shootings and made several arrests, and that outstanding warrants remain for people officers have been unable to locate. “We are steadily on that as well,” the chief said, adding that U.S. Marshals have been assisting with searches.

The board approved a memorial resolution honoring Dennis King, a longtime local law-enforcement official and former Ripley police chief. The resolution, adopted by voice vote after a motion by Alderman Austin and a second from Alderman Thompson, records King—s service as Ripley police chief from Dec. 17, 1992, to April 10, 2000; as an alderman from April 16, 2012, to April 7, 2016; and notes he died Aug. 15, 2025, at age 91.

On a roll-call vote the board approved submission of a grant application for property at 164 Broward Avenue; all aldermen present and Mayor Fitzhugh voted yes. The item was described in meeting materials as an environmental recommendation to separate the property for a brownfield-related application.

Following a review of two banking proposals, the board designated Security Bank and Trust Company as the city—s official depository after discussion of interest rates and service fees. The meeting packet compared proposals from Security Bank and First Citizens Bank; board members said Security Bank offered no fees for many services while First Citizens proposed per-ACH fees, wire fees and a treasury-service setup and monthly charge. One board member voted no; the chair declared the motion passed.

The board also approved a 14-day demonstration agreement for a new stun device model for the police department. Alderman Thompson moved the testing authorization and Alderman Austin seconded; the board approved the limited trial. Police staff said the device uses rechargeable batteries and described potential cost differences versus current equipment: a department representative said current batteries cost about $89 and cartridges about $59, require frequent replacement and have a limited number of uses, while the proposed model has a rechargeable battery with a much larger use count and less frequent recharge cycles.

Other business included approval of meeting minutes and financial statements, acceptance of departmental reports, and public acknowledgments of Rice Park—s Labor Day events. Discussion also touched on the city—s Ripley Power and Light board: aldermen debated whether the board should continue to meet jointly with the mayor and whether compensation rules allow additional pay; no formal action on compensation was taken.

The board adjourned after routine closing remarks and scheduling follow-ups on the Power and Light board and public-works leaf-bag logistics.