The City of Madison City Commission held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 8. There were several items of discussion including the first public hearing on the 2015-2016 budget, golf cart crossings, natural gas operations and overnight parking of tractor-trailers. The meeting started off with the commissioner unanimously approving a millage rate of seven, which is no increase from last year. The City of Madison’s budget of $7,275,745 was approved. The budget comprises of $2,802,445 for the General Fund; $4,257,745 for the Enterprise Fund; and $216,255 for the Internal Service Fund. The City of Madison has an ordinance that allows the usage of golf carts, however, there are no legal golf cart crossings. Consulting Engineer Brent Whitman has studied the possible intersections for SR 53 and Hwy 90. His study came back that during peak hours, a crossing at Range Avenue and Hwy 90 was not possible with DOT regulation. A crossing at the intersection of SR 53 South and Rutledge Street and intersection of SR 53 South and Marion Street meets the DOT criteria. The commissioners voted for Whitman to go ahead and submit the proposal for crossings on SR 53 and have Whitman look into other locations for crossing Hwy 90.
At the June city commissioner meeting, the Natural Gas personnel asked for guidance from the commissioners on what they can and cannot do past the meter. No decision was made and the subject was brought up once again at this meeting. Currently Natural Gas employees go beyond the meter into houses and businesses to conduct tasks they are not licensed to do such as hooking up water heaters, stoves and furnaces. The Florida League of Cities recommends the city cease going beyond the meter except to light a pilot light due to liability issues. City Manager Tim Bennett plans to place the topic on the October agenda to receive public input. The issue of tractor-trailers parking overnight was on the agenda again. City of Madison has an ordinance that prohibits tractor-trailers parking in residential areas overnight. Citizens are asking for it to be enforced. The commissioners made no decision. It was decided that the Planning and Zoning Board would look at the issue and see whether it would be best to keep the ordinance and enforce it or modify it. The board will also look for city property that tractor-trailers can park.
The City of Madison City Commission will hold the second and final public heard on the 2015-2016 budget on Tuesday, September 22 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Their October meeting will be Tuesday, October 13 at 5:30 p.m.