Council authorizes sale of 1972 fire engine; residents raise water-odor and speed concerns

Animal Control Officer Will Wright and other city staff reported departmental activity and proposed actions at the Sept. 9 council meeting.

Wright said animal-control officers issued several citations and warnings and noted repeat dog problems on Summer Hill; he added that animals from repeat offenders may not be returned. Wright also asked the council to declare a 1972 fire engine surplus because it no longer works and would be costly to restore. Council Member Sally Boswell moved and Council Member Jim Scott seconded a motion to allow the city clerk to advertise the vehicle for sealed bids and bring any bids to the Oct. 14 council meeting for acceptance or rejection. The motion passed unanimously. Council Member William Harris noted a prior suggestion to obtain a repaint estimate and preserve the truck for parades, but Wright said previous investigation found restoration would be less beneficial than other uses for funds.

During public comment resident Clarence Hillsman said his home’s water has an odor and presented a petition requesting a speed bump on Bloodworth Street because of increased traffic and children at play; the petition met the required resident signatures. Mayor Lanier Rhodes asked Clerk Becky Cronic and Public Works Director David Stephens to consider placement of speed bumps and 'Children at Play' signage. Makail Dunn also commented on the millage rate and expressed concern about potential higher water rates related to construction of the water plant.

The council did not take additional formal action on water complaints at the meeting beyond directing staff to consider the requests. The clerk will handle publishing and accepting sealed bids for the surplus fire engine and will report back to the council on Oct. 14.