Elkton Council Appoints
New Alderman, Vice-Mayor

by Justin Rudolph

The Elkton City Council opened its monthly meeting with a word of prayer and approval of all minutes and expenditures.

Present at the meeting were Mayor Bill Ware, City Recorder Margie Brooks, City Attorney Joe Fowlkes, Chief of Police Jim Stewart, Fire Chief Dan Yant, Giles Co. Sheriff Kyle Helton and Aldermen Peyton Blade, Teresa Abernathy, Roosevelt Whitfield and Doug Turner with guests and media.

Chief Stewart reported three arrests and 50 citations issued and 20 calls for service. The chief also filed a complaint to the board on behalf of the disgruntled citizens of Elkton for the unruly dogs wandering the streets and “junkie” residences.

The board made a motion to enforce a city ordinance that will hold the owners of any un-kept animals responsible and after a warning a $50 citation will be issued. The motion passed 4/0.

The board discussed the problem of “junkie” residences and the decision was reached to send out letters asking the select citizens to “clean and pick-up” their residence.

Fire Chief Yant reported two structure fires and one fatality. He also stated that he would be retiring effective February 28th after 30 years of service.

“I really hate to accept that letter, but we all really appreciate what you have done for the city of Elkton,” stated Mayor Ware.

Next to address the board was Giles County Sheriff Kyle Helton. Sheriff Helton started by saying, “The sheriff’s department is here for you [city of Elkton], and our goal is to make drug dealers think twice about coming to our county.” He also extended his services of any kind to the city.

The mayor was pleased to announce that the fire department’s bean dinner raised $1400 with donations.

The board then adopted an ordinance for the Code of Ethics for all employees in the city with a motion by Alderman Turner and a second by Alderman Blade, which passed 4/0.

The Plan of Services by-law was added to the city annexation ordinance providing police protection, lighting, recreational benefits, and a Waste Management Program for all residents in annexed areas with a motion made by Alderman Whitfield, seconded by Alderman Blade that passed 4/0.

With the resignation Carolyn Holt, the board was missing an alderman. The mayor asked for names to be turned in by the February meeting.

Three names were submitted with no second motion, and finally Alderman Blade nominated Barry Wilburn with a second by Alderman Whitfield. With three votes in favor, Alderwoman Abernathy passed on her vote, and Alderman Barry Wilburn was elected to the Elkton City Council. City attorney Joe Fowlkes swore Wilburn into his new position.

With all five members present, the mayor brought forth the need of a new Vice-Mayor. Alderman Whitfield nominated Alderman Blade and Alderman Turner seconded that motion that passed 5/0.

A motion to make an ordinance that makes a violation of Tennessee code 55-12-139 a municipal ordinance violation was made by Alderman Turner seconded by Alderman Blade and passed 5/0.

Last month the board approved the $136,500 loan for the building of the new fire hall. A motion was made by Alderman Turner to send a resolution for approval to the state of Tennessee. The motion was seconded by Alderman Wilburn and passed 5/0.

A new census will be taken for the city of Elkton to hopefully increase the amount of money that the state of TN will allow the city in the State Street Aid Fund.

The mayor asked for a motion to adopt the state’s Rules of the Road laws to run in conjunction with the city’s road laws. The motion was made by Alderman Turner, seconded by Alderman Blade and passed 5/0.

Mayor Ware requested that $675.72 be removed from the Waste and Water fund to cover the costs of the Christmas lights around the city. A motion was made by Alderman Blade, seconded by Alderman Turner and passed 5/0.

A motion to keep the bids for the septic tank installment at the new fire hall and have a letter sent to these contractors to re-submit their bid was made by Alderman Turner, seconded by Alderman Blade and passed 5/0.

Motion to adjourn was made by Alderman Turner, seconded by Alderman Blade and passed unanimously.