Aldermen approve policies governing fire department account, use of city vehicles

Elected officials in Cardwell review information pertaining to a poliy created to govern the Volunteer Fire Department Account. Staff photo by Joshua Payne

The policy governing the Volunteer fire Department Account noted that it is intended to provide the procedures necessary for the conduct of fundraising and purchasing activities for the Cardwell Volunteer Fire Department.

The policy explains that the City of Cardwell will have full authority of the account, by law, but that the Volunteer Firemen, who dedicate their time to the fundraising, should have input on the use of the funds being utilized.

The policy includes the creation of a checking account for the Volunteer Fire Department, the permission from the city council for the department to host fundraising activities, and the regular and emergency purchasing procedures for supplies and service.

The second policy approved by the council establishes rule and regulations for emergency vehicles in response to an incident or in pursuit.

This policy explains that the City of Cardwell's police officers and firemen will make every reasonable effort to apprehend a fleeing suspect and to respond to emergency calls in a quick and safe manner. Also, the policy notes that these pursuits or responses should never be carried to such an extent as to endanger the lives or property of innocent users of the street or highway, along with the violator, or the officer.

Other items noted in the policy includes a regulation that states under no circumstance can a privately owned vehicle be utilized as an emergency vehicle for the sake of personal convenience or driver's choice, and that officers and firemen will not operate an emergency vehicle in emergency status if it is occupied by any passenger other than another police officer in a police vehicle or fireman in a fire department vehicle.

Also during the meeting, the department heads gave their respective reports to the council beginning with Police Chief Anthony Parker.

Parker noted that the department had several calls during the month of October, which included one drug related case aided by the drug task force, and two minors being charged with minor in possession of alcohol.

He added that Halloween had no instances of eggs, toilet paper, or shaving cream being used in a vandalizing manner.

"This is the best Halloween we have had since I have been here," Parker said.

He added that the city's neighborhood watch program will hopefully go into effect after Christmas.

"If none of the volunteers back out, we will have about 60 people," Parker said.

Water and Sewer Manager, Richard Mara, followed Parker with his report to the council.

Mara noted that the Water Department was doing fine with no leaks or problems with the chlorine pumps.

"I have actually backed down on the chlorine since the temperature has dropped," Mara said.

In terms of the wastewater, Mara explained that the lift stations were all up and running.

He added that a second person was needed to complete some of the jobs and the Charles Moore worked a second job and was not always available to assist.

Mara added that he is working on a sanitary sewer plan that will include mandatory I & I (inflow and infiltration) reduction.

"It will include doing some smoke testing to find where the problem is originating," Mara said.

Mara also informed the council that new waders were needed to move through the lagoon and remove obstacles blocking the flow of pipes, which included turtles.

"Our waders leak and you don't want them leaking if you are out in the lagoon," Mara explained.

During City Clerk, Mary Vaughn's report, she noted that the city's total income is up 23 percent from the previous year.

Vaughn also noted that the city budget was so close to the end of the year that she did not see much of a point in adjusting anything.

She informed the council that the city will be over spending with the lagoon, mosquito spraying, street repairs, and police department salary, which is due to the recent raise the officers received.

Vaughn explained to the council that the areas that were over the allotted funds in the 2009 budget have been adjusted to be allowed an increased amount of funds in the 2010 budget.

When the council reviewed the city's bills, Alderman Jack Sparks noted that he did not understand why the officers were making a 12 mile round trip to Flash Market to purchase gasoline for the vehicle.

"The car could be filled up before [Burton's] closes," Sparks said.

Mayor John Prince agreed with Sparks and noted that if the vehicle was filled up with gasoline before 10 p.m., then there would be no further issue. In other matters that came before the council:

* The council approved the requisitions which included chest waders and a saw for road repairs within the city;

* The agenda issue of the 2010 budget, which was tabled until next month;

* The approval of an ordinance to call for the regular election of the City of Cardwell to have the city select one North Ward Alderman and one South Ward Alder to two terms each;

* The approval of the city to take bids on an external audit;

* The approval of the city to pursue a grant for a tractor for the Street and City Departments, and;

* The approval of Freddy Muse to use Cardwell City Hall one day to promote his diabetic foot wear and arthritic support items.

The next Cardwell City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., on December 11.