Joint Council Approves
Purchase Of Lighting

by Dwight Turner

The Joint Council of the City of Ardmore, TN Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Town of Ardmore Mayor and Town Council, meeting in scheduled session on Monday night, approved the expenditure of $6,800 to purchase 12 light poles and fixtures, earmarked for use at the Alabama Park and at John Barnes Park.

The poles, which will be used at the new sports fields at both parks, were obtained from Calhoun Community College. According to Street Superintendent Terry Barkley, a contractor who was working on renovation to the tennis courts at Calhoun contacted him and offered to sell the poles and fixtures at a reasonable price. After discussing the matter with both Mayor Eugene Shannon and Mayor Bobby Hastings, Barkley was instructed to purchase the poles if still available. The vote to approve the purchase was unanimous.

As matters stand, the Town of Ardmore, AL will receive six of the poles, as will the City of Ardmore, TN.

In another matter, the joint council took up the issue of workman’s compensation insurance for reserve officers of the Ardmore Police Department. According to Mayor Shannon, he received a letter from Roger Owens, a safety consultant employed by the insurance company that handles the town/city insurance plan, which stated that it would be advisable for the reserve officers to be covered. Cost of coverage would be $125 per officer per year.

After discussing the matter at some length, the joint council decided to contact Owens and have him meet with Mayor Shannon and Alderman Ken Crosson to provide further information on the issue.

In another matter, Mayor Shannon informed the council that the initial insurance company offer to replace a police car that was totaled in a recent accident was $7,100. Shannon went on to state that he felt the offer was too low. According to Shannon, he contacted several local car dealerships who told him the car, if it was on their lot, would be priced at $11,000 and would be sold at no less that $10,000.

Shannon stated that he was of the opinion that the joint council should consider buying a new police car. The mayor stated that research into the cost of a new police car revealed the lowest price to be $21,255, for a vehicle at Murrey Chevrolet in Pulaski. After discussing the matter at some length, the joint council unanimously voted to purchase the new police car, along with a state-of-the-art light bar.

In a final matter on the agenda, the joint council took up the issue of the salary of Street Supervisor Terry Barkley. According to Mayor Shannon, Barkley’s yearly salary, based on a regular work week, was $33,000. However, due to consistent overtime, Barkley in fact made $37,500 last year. Shannon stated that he felt that both the town and Barkley would be better served if Barkley were placed on salaried status as opposed to hourly status.

It should be noted that Barkley often works on off hours, when called by the dispatchers to handle numerous problems around Ardmore. Many of these calls, according to Barkley, have nothing to do with the street department.

“I don’t mind getting called and going out to help with things,” said Barkley. “I live close to city hall, so it is easy for me to get here. I get calls for everything from stray dogs to snakes in houses.”

Alderman Raymond Crabtree added that sometimes on stormy nights, he goes out riding around to see if there are any problems around town. He said he often sees Barkley out patrolling as well.

“He doesn’t have to do that,” said Crabtree. “He does that on his own and we sure appreciate it.”

Mayor Shannon agreed, stating that he feels Barkley does a great job and that the council should look at the issue of salary from both sides.

Alderwoman Janice Reece added that she felt that Barkley was always responsive when called upon and always did a professional job, complete with follow up.

Alderman Ken Crosson and Alderwoman Laurene Schrimsher voiced the opinion that the council, if considering salary increases, should look at giving raises to the policemen in Ardmore. During the discussion, Councilman Ricky Mitchell reminded those present that the council had given raises to Ardmore policemen not too long ago.

After much discussion, Councilman Billy Shannon voted to establish Barkley’s salary at $39,000 per year and that he would receive a yearly performance evaluation next month as per policy. Councilwoman Mary Hobbs seconded the motion. The motion passed with only one dissenting vote, coming from Ken Crosson.