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City adopts disaster plan; water lines to be flushed
The Lincolnton City Council adopted the Lincoln County Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan at its regular meeting held Monday, May 5, at City Hall.
Using a grant from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the plan was developed to assist the city and county by reducing the risks associated with potential hazards and helping decision makers commit resources for curtailing the effects of natural hazards.
The hazard mitigation plan is required by the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
The council also adopted the following ordinances in conjunction with the plan:
(1) An ordinance that allows the city to waive certain formalities in regard to where and when meetings are held in the event of an emergency.
(2) An ordinance that allows the city to establish a curfew in the wake of a natural disaster.
According to Ernie Doss, director of the Lincoln County Department of Public Safety, "The main reason for this ordinance is to keep looters off of the streets. We need to limit the number of people out and about to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens."
(3) An ordinance that prohibits overcharging for goods, materials, services, and housing during the period following an emergency.
"Basically, the ordinance prevents people from gouging others during an emergency," said Director Doss.
(4) An ordinance that requires the providers of building and repair services to register with the city in the aftermath of a disaster to protect residents from unscrupulous and even criminal contractors.
"The ordinance ensures that contractors, repairmen, tree trimmers, and so forth are properly registered - it also expedites the registration process," stated the public safety director.
The ordinances for both the city and the county are identical.
In other business, Stanley Parton, Water Department Superintendent, informed those present that the city will begin its annual spring flushing next week. During the process, possible sediment build-up and any harmless impurities are flushed out of the water system.
"Residents should be aware that the flushing may result in cloudy water and perhaps a temporary reduction in water pressure," said the superintendent. "However, the turbid water poses no health hazard to the public."
In further business, the council:
.. Heard Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff read a note from former councilman Dwain Moss thanking the city for its kindness during his recent illness.
.. Heard a report given by the mayor on the city and county's annual cleanup day held Saturday, April 26.
"We had 30 volunteers, who collected a total of 120 bags of trash. It's work, but you can see the results."
In other remarks, Mayor Biggerstaff thanked all those who took part in the clean-up initiative. He also commended Jim Butler, a county code enforcement officer, for his diligence.
.. Heard the Water Department Report given by Superintendent Parton, who indicated that total water production increased from 9.47 mg (million gallons) in March to 10.1 mg in April.
He went on to note that the city experienced a 19-percent reduction in distribution in April of 2008 when compared to April of 2007.
In a related item of information, it was noted that due to the drought and EPD requirements, the city has not been able to sell as much water as usual, resulting in a decrease in revenues. By law, the water system must be self-sustaining.
In light of these facts, Mayor Biggerstaff charged Superintendent Parton and the city's Water and Wastewater Committee to find ways to cut costs.
"We're limited in the amount of water we can produce, but the bills go on," said the mayor, adding, "The cost of doing business has almost doubled. We don't need to wait until things get completely out of hand before taking action."
.. Was informed that the city's dump truck accidentally rolled into one of the clear wells at the James Allen Reed Water Treatment Plant, totaling the truck.
"Thank goodness no one was hurt, and no damage was done to the clear well," said Mayor Biggerstaff. "Since then, we've been looking at used trucks but haven't found anything."
It was agreed that the mayor, the council members, and water/wastewater department employees would continue to search for a used dump truck.
.. Heard Councilman Guil Mattison urge the public to consider other ways to raise funds besides holding car washes. "I think this will head off some problems down the road," he said.
.. Heard the Zoning Department Report given by Zoning Administrator David Griffin, who said his office issued 13 building permits and conducted 27 building inspections last month.
The total revenues from the various types of permits amounted to $1,470.
.. Voted to grant a 30-day extension on a request to rezone property, owned by Lincoln Square, LLC, from A-2 (Agricultural) to C-1 (Commercial).
.. Voted to accept the low bid of $8,383.30, submitted by Martinez Cabinet, for renovation of the kitchen at the Lincolnton Clubhouse. State funds will be used to pay for the work.
.. Heard a request made by Alana Burke, executive director of the Lin- coln County Development Authority, that the city participate in advertising in a regional magazine at a cost of $1,292. Councilman Henry Brown made a motion to place the ad in the magazine, but the motion died for lack of a second.
.. Heard the Police Department Report given by Chief Jim Justice, who said his office received 219 calls for service during the month of April.
The chief went on to say that he and the city clerk are working to collect delinquent taxes. "We will develop a procedural policy for next year once we get caught up," he said.
.. Voted to purchase four speed bumps each for First Baptist Street and the Watson Street Extension for a total of $640.
.. Voted to enter into executive session to deliberate upon personnel matters. Upon returning to regular session, the council voted to seek bids for the biannual rehabilitation of flower beds in the city.
The next regular meeting of the mayor and council will be held Monday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
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