Tag Archive for judy townsend

Martin Authorized To Issue No-Burn Edicts

June 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Ginger Jarvis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Due to the near-drought conditions prevailing in the area, the Madison City Commissioners authorized Fire Chief Alfred Martin to issue no-burn announcements at his discretiion. The board took the step at its regular meeting on June 14.
Martin said that he will consider information and warnings from the U. S. Forestry Service as guidelines for issuing bans when appropriate.
In other business, the board discussed restoration and protection of the Four Freedoms Monument. Cindy Vees, interim Chamber of Commerce Director, said that the Chamber has been asked to spearhead cleaning the monument. Mayor Jim Catron said that he will consult with Roy Smith, local marble worker, to assess the problems with the statue and offer suggestions for cleaning and repair. He added, “We would need to consider how to protect it after cleaning and restoration.”
The board also discussed changing its present policy regarding sewer-line work at the Madison Heights apartment complex. City Manager Harold Emrich said, “The city now has a policy of cleaning out the sewer lines and charging the owners $300. This should be something that they hire the private sector to do.”
Emrich cited a recent call in which city employees caused some damage to an apartment, which cost the city to repair. He said that city workers are not plumbers and should not be working on private property.
Commissioners Judy Townsend commented, “We have been providing this service as a courtesy.”
Commissioner James Stanley asked, “Are we doing it for everyone?” Emrich replied, “No.”
Commissioner Myra Valentine said, “We are taking jobs away from the private sector by doing this.”
The board agreed to consider the policy and contact the apartment owners to find a way that residents can get help in a timely manner.

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Madison Mayor Invited To Jump In Miami

February 17, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
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By Ginger Jarvis
Greene Publishing, Inc. 
Madison’s Mayor Judy Townsend has been invited to join a group of 24 other cit leaders in Miami for a parachute event featuring the Golden Knights, an elite cadre of military parachutists. The invitation from the Pentagon was described by Rae Pike at the regular meeting of the Madison City Commissioners on Feb. 8.

Pike informed the board that Townsend is included in the jump as part of the follow-up to the city’s recent Military Covenant Signing Ceremony. The group jump is planned to help convince Miami city officials to sign a similar covenant to support servicemen and their families. Pike, who coordinated the local event, added that Gov. Rick Scott’s office has called to say that he wants to keep the momentum up.

“We are delighted to be the first city to sign a covenant under this governor’s administration,” said Commissioner Myra Valentine. “I thought the day was sensational. Now, Live Oak and Branford are considering doing this.”
Townsend commented, “If you missed the event, it was beautiful.” She presented the board with the certificate recognizing the occasion. When she expressed reluctance to participate in the jump, several other people jokingly volunteered to represent her in Miami.
Townsend and Pike explained that Congressman Ander Crenshaw, Senator Marco Rubio and Madison County School Board Chair VeEtta Hagan (all of them unable to attend the ceremony on Feb. 5) will sign the covenant; then the original will be on display at Madison City Hall.

In other business, the commissioners approved a proclamation declaring February as Black American Mayors’ Month. Townsend read a list of black residents who have served as mayor in Madison. “These people had the interests of the city and its people at heart,” she said.

The board also unanimously approved a new member of the Firefighters Pension Board. Jennifer Funk, owner of the Country Store on Range Avenue, will serve in that capacity.

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