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The first to speak during the citizen participation portion of the Madison City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 8, was David Lawton, owner/organizer of the “Booty Warz” events. His concern at this meeting was a “lack of checks and balances” between the various government-appointed boards (particularly the Planning and Zoning Board) and the city commission.
His comments were based upon the board’s decision to not grant him a special exception to serve alcohol at his event center. He was also unsatisfied with the unkempt appearance of the public right-of way in front of his business.
Following the public comments portion, the Commission began to address the remaining items on the agenda.
The consent agenda was approved as presented. These items included the minutes from the Tuesday, July 11 meeting, the fire/rescue report, the police department report, the lease documents for the Public Works’ trucks, and the declaration of the surplus used water meters.
There were no items removed from the consent agenda.
The first item on the remaining portion of the agenda was the presentation of a $2,500 grant award from the Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida. Scott Harrison, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, made the presentation to members of the Commission.
These funds will be used for completing recreational facilities (particularly the tennis areas) within the city’s parks.
City Manager Tim Bennett and Natural Gas Department Superintendent and the Department’s Operations Director Mike Smith presented the results of the annual inspection (audit) of the department. According to Smith, the audit and inspection went so well that Madison County’s department will serve as an example to other departments throughout the state.
Madison Police Chief Reggie Alexander brought several items before the Commissioners. The first on his list was the impact of illegal drugs on the police department. There have been 16 drug cases in Madison County so far this year, but an estimated 95 percent of them have been the result of traffic stops of people traveling through the county. The canine officers have played a significant role in these arrests. Chief Alexander feels the increase in the drug usage, in general, is due to a change in attitudes toward how the term “drug” is defined. He says that the general perception of marijuana is similar to that of the attitude toward a cigarette.
His advice to community members who suspect drug usage, do not try to approach the individual(s) yourself; contact the police department or sheriff’s office. This can be done anonymously, if you choose.
Next on the agenda was a proposal for two four-way stops for two city intersections. Both intersections involve Range Street. Chief Alexander said that reasons for this request involves pedestrian safety issues, speed control and vehicles backing out of parking spaces. Alexander also cited the economic value of placing stop signs versus speed bumps.
Commissioner Stanley voiced concern about the implementation of four-way stops. Stanley was concerned that four-way stops would create a backlog of traffic on Range St. There was also a letter from a citizen of Madison who shared Commissioner Stanley’s point of view.
Another issue presented by Chief Alexander involved whether or not to allow police officers to drive their assigned police cars home after their shifts end. City Attorney Schnitker assured the council members there is no difference in the liability for Madison concerning the officers having this opportunity. The consensus of the commissioners was to continue this practice as it allows the officers to respond more rapidly to emergencies if they don’t have to go retrieve their patrol cars from the Ag Center (where they are typically parked) prior to responding.
Following this item, Madison City Manager Tim Bennett presented the first draft of an ordinance (prepared by Madison City Attorney Clay Schnitker) that would “assist city staff in ensuring special events do not overwhelm city resources and the health, safety and welfare of the community. Special events, the ordinance says, can mushroom beyond the capacity of their venue and logistical support. The purpose of the ordinance is to address these potential threats prior to the event.”
According to the ordinance, “special events” is an “assembly of people.” The ordinance is designed to regulate marketed special events and spontaneous pop-up events.
Special events would require the event organizer to acquire a permit from the city manager at least 45 days in advance. (Funerals are one type of event that would be exempt from this rule.)
Once all of the commissioners have had the opportunity to review the proposed ordinance, the City Manager will make any necessary changes and present a revised version to the commission at a future meeting.
Bennett gave an update on the improvements taking place at Sumpter James Park. These improvements include a 50 feet by 50 feet (half court) basketball area.
The Jesse Solomon Park was another park to receive the attention of the City Commission. Bennett asked the Commission to allow for the temporary closure of the park, so that plant issues could be addressed in the pond. Bennett plans to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) with a request for them to stock the pond with appropriate fish that will consume the plants that have overtaken the pond. In addition, the grounds need to be mowed. There are also repairs to the road and other places on the property that need to be completed to make it a safe and enjoyable place for residents.
Before ending the meeting, City Manager Bennett reported on 50 code enforcement issues within the city. He followed this with a more positive note by providing the Commissioners with a report concerning grant applications and grant awards benefiting the local area.
The next meeting of the Madison City Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12 in the conference room of Madison City Hall.