The Choctaw Plaindealer

The July 1 meeting of the Ackerman Board of Aldermen covered many topics.

Joe Griffin, board attorney, told the board he sees a problem with people using off road vehicles on town streets and believes it needs to stop.

He said golf carts, ATVs and other off road vehicles are not authorized to be on city streets because they cannot be tagged or have an inspection sticker placed on it.

Griffin reminded the board that if an accident happened in an off road vehicle, on a city street, then the town may have a liability in the accident.

"We ask people to obey other laws, but we let people abuse this one," said Griffin.

He asked the board to inform the public of the law and fine anyone caught doing so.

"As (city) prosecutor I have difficulty to prosecute someone that runs a stop sign when people ignore this law," said Griffin.

He said it is "not good for the town to condone."

Ackerman Police Chief Rickey Thornton said he stopped a person driving down a city street in a golf cart and told them to drive it in their yard.

Griffin said the board could set policy on where these type vehicles can be used.

Mayor Dick Cain said they would take it under consideration and form a plan of how to inform the public.

Barney Phelps, Alderman-at-large, said people need to be reminded of the noise ordinance, also.

In old business, Griffin told the board he has contacted one of the two owners of the Cook property to have it cleaned up.

The board approved to advertise a public hearing and for the two owners to be present at the August 5 board meeting. After the public hearing is held then board can decide what to do about having the property cleaned up.

The board also approved to amend the 2007-2008 budget.

"Gas is hitting us hard," said Cain. The board discussed how gas and utility prices are affecting the budget. Bobbye Web, town clerk, said the town received a little more revenue than expected.

In new business, Cain asked the board to approve new fees for the Town of Ackerman water and sewer.

After a discussion, the Aldermen approved the following new water and sewer fees: deposit is $120 from $70 and $20 of that is nonrefundable for connecting, cutoff or reconnection is $60 from $40, water tapping is $225 from $200, sewer tapping is $275 from $250 and a new fee of $40 for a bad check.

At a previous meeting, the aldermen discussed whether or not the town could lawfully mow the grass near the railroad or not. Since that meeting, Cain found out that the town has an easement on both sides of the railroad track due to water lines.

"We feel like we can mow our easement. The Town pays to have the easement," said Cain.

Dale Reid, Ward 4 Alderman, said that the town is required to maintain easements and mowing would be included. The board approved to mow their railroad easement.

Debby Curtis, Ward 2 Alderwoman, told the board she wanted the railroad track crossing fixed.

"They are in terrible shape and need to be fixed," said Curtis. She wants to start the process of getting them fixed. Reid told her that the railroad has basically abandoned this part of the railroad and it would be hard to get the crossing fixed.

In the department reports, Thornton said the APD wrote 24 tickets in June, made one drug arrest and uncovered one marijuana plant.

He told the board about a new probation program for offenders. In the program, the judge will place offenders on probation then a company will monitor them and keep up with them making sure they pay their fines.

If the offender doesn't pay their fine then a warrant will be issued for their arrest and will be charged with contempt of court.

"Hopefully this will aid us in collection of our fines better," said Thornton. There is no cost to the town for this program. All fees are passed to the offender.

Mike Brasher, Public Works director, said they bushhogged the airport, placed speed bumps on Chester Street and starting working on the water feature at the walking park.

Brasher bought a trolley motor, out of his own money, to take the town's boat out in the lagoon to put chemicals in it. The board approved to pay back Brasher $214, the cost of the motor.

In other business the board approved:

€ To sign obligatory paperwork for Rural Development to receive a grant and loan for the lagoon project.

€ To advertise in the band calendar.

€ To take possession of Magnolia Lane and be responsible for upkeep of road and utilities.

€ Travel for Debby Bowlin for certification.

€ Promoted Debbie Bowlin to Town Clerk, due to Bobbye Webb's retirement. The board held an executive session to discuss her compensation.