Snead seniors ask council to strengthen building guidelines

Speaking as a concerned citizen and senior center employee, Barbara Williams asked the Snead Town Council to tighten requirements for those using the center. Williams presented a list of 12 tasks she asked the council to adopt for those renting the center. She had two pages of reported abuses and suggested implementation stapled to the list.

Councilmen discussed among themselves, with Williams and senior center director Jane Childers, several of the matters. Mayor Tim Kent directed town clerk Rae Ware to provide renters a copy of the presented regulations. Ware had indicated that she has, in the past, made renters aware of most of the regulations. No one presented a clear plan for enforcement.

Utilities department

The council approved the $19,250 low bid for replacing a breaker box and shifting from probes to a float system for assistance in regulating water flow. Utilities director Jeff Whited had advised the council of these needs and had secured two bids, opened at the council meeting, for the work.

The council also approved Whited’s attendance at an EMA (Emergency Management Agency) meeting to discuss the possible addition of more fire hydrants in town. Fire chief Lee Netherton had asked the council to permit Whited to attend.

Whited reported ADEM (Alabama Department of Environmental Management) had inspected the city’s sewer plant and seemed satisfied with its operation. He noted he had received reports of stimulus money available for the utilities department. The council authorized him to discuss possible grant projects with town engineer Robert Nelson.

Burn ordinance

Netherton had previously asked the council to consider an ordinance forbidding the burning of any non-natural materials within the town. Ware revealed she had spoken with fire personnel in both Oneonta and Blountsville and that neither has such an ordinance. She provided councilors with portions of the state code, which appears to address the matter.

As councilmen read the notice, they concluded that a prior discussion of burning a likely-to-be condemned structure would violate state law. Councilman Jack Freeman speculated that removal of the house at 446 Blackmon Drive (mailing address Altoona) may cost the town over $4000.

The council decided against a burn ordinance and to advertise for bids for removal of the house, should the town hear nothing from the owner by its next council session.

Other matters

Freeman asked Ware if the town is enforcing business-license requirements. Ware explained that the notices have been mailed and she must wait to determine any delinquencies. Freeman emphasized his concern was with new businesses, to which Ware responded that it is the police department who must enforce town ordinances.

Ware recommended the council consider an increase in utilities’ charges. Kent spoke against any increase, unless required by the New York bank holding the town’s warrants.

Ware won council approval for the town’s participation in a low-income voucher program to assist qualifying families with utility bills. The council also approved its 2009 audit.

In his report, police chief Phillip Weaver informed the town of a new website that can keep citizens informed of emergency matters or alerts. He said residents may enroll for free and learn of wrecks, detours, or other similar police and fire circumstances. He identified the site as nixle.com.

Councilors James Campbell, Phillip McHan, Curtis Painter, and Charles Sanders attended the Jan. 25 session, along with Freeman and Kent. The council holds its regular meetings the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the community center.

Additional rental regulations for the Snead Senior Citizen Building

1. No smoking in the building.

2. All trash is to be removed.

3. Both bathrooms are to be checked and, if needed, cleaned.

4. Floors should be swept and mopped.

5. All furnishings and accessories are to be placed back in their original positions.

6. If the kitchen is used, it should be cleaned, mopped, and all appliances turned off.

7. The thermostat is not to be touched.

8. Inside and outside lights should be turned off; outside ashtray should be cleared of any butts.

9. The piano may not be used without the director’s permission.

10. The television is not to be used.

11. The warming oven is not to be used.

12. Memorial roses and photographs should not be moved without the director’s permission.