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.
