From left, Johnny Dalton, city attornery, Aldermen Bud Brooks, Joe McLain, Mayor Bill Anderson, Aldermen Patsy Davis, Junior Jaco and City Clerk Jeana Lewis prepare for business. Staff photo by Amenda Alexander [Click to enlarge]

During the July 14 city council meeting, it was brought to the council's attention that people were speeding up and down the alley between Maple and Olive streets, which residents' felt to be a threat.

During the recent council meeting on Monday, taxpayer Doug Bird asked, " On the closing of the alley, I want to know the reason for the closing of it."

"What was conveyed to us (city council) was that people were seen speeding thru the alley and endangering a young child out there playing." Mayor Bill Anderson replied.

Anderson continued, "We did not close the alley, we blocked it."

"Shouldn't it have been closed at the end of the street and not at the property line and for all not just some of the residents?" asked Bird.

"Were all of the residents notified, I wasn't and I am a tax payer? I feel my rights were not considered in the closing of the alley. I wasn't asked about it."

"We might have made a mistake by not having a hearing before we did it," Mayor Anderson said.

City Attorney Johnny Dalton recommended that a hearing should be the next step to take.

"We will have to set a date for a hearing where everyone can express how he or she feels.Then, we the council, will weigh the issues and a decision will be made," Anderson explained.

In other matters, the city discussed the resignations of two city officials including Police Chief Lester Hunter, who is retiring effective Aug. 31, 2008, and Aldermen Junior Jaco, who lost his home to a fire had to relocate and no longer lives within the city limits.

Also on the agenda, was a liqour request made by Joey Boost, owner of the Tobacco Shop in Senath.

"The council would like to do the necessary checking and get back with you regarding the liquor license," said Anderson.

During the meeting there was much discussion about the city's sewer rates.

Senath has a flat rate of $14 per month. Mayor Anderson suggested the sewer rate increase to $15 on the first 2000 gallons of water usage and $2.00 for every 1000 gallons used after the 2000 gallons.

"We have to raise the sewer rates and I am in agreement to this rate, it is much more fair to all, I will make the motion," said Alderman Patsy Davis.

The motion was passed with a vote of 3 - 0.

The effective date for the increase will be Sept. 1, 2008.

There was also a discussion by the council whether to by a mini truck or a gator for the street department to use.

The discussion was tabled until futher information can be obtained on both vehicles.

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2008.