by Perry Lewter

Meeting in regular session Thursday, August 10, the Elkton Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to lease a brand new Dodge Charger with the option to own for the Elkton Police Department.

Elkton Police Chief Stewart, who did all the research, approached the police committee and recommended the purchase. Alderman Doug Turner made the motion to lease the car for 60 months with the option to purchase the car for $1 when the lease expires. Stewart said he would save the city money by driving to Illinois to get the car. The new vehicle will lease for $560 per month and will be in Elkton in about two weeks. Alderman Carolyn Holt seconded Turner's motion. The motion passed unanimously with Alderman David Fralix absent.

Framed certificates of appreciation were handed out by Mayor Bill Ware for their hard work in the recent fundraiser for the garage for the ambulance service housed in the former Elkton Community Room. Recognized for their efforts in making the fund-raiser a success were Brittney Smith, Kasey Gowan, Eva Claire Smith, Kelly Smith Riggs, Dan Yant, Carolyn Holt and Margie Brooks. Not present to receive their certificates were Glen Lance and Sherry Klineberg. The mayor also presented a certificate of appreciation to Bob Swinney for his contribution to the 2005 Christmas Angel project. The Elkton native said he had been around the world, "but Elkton is the best place I have ever been."

The August 1 fund-raiser brought in just over $8,000.

Tickets, which are $5 each, are now on sale for a concert which will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 9 at the Elkton City Park. Chris Hennessee, Tresa Jordan along with Flats & Elvis will be in concert to benefit the local ambulance service.

Chief Stewart reported in the police report there was one arrest, 10 calls for service and 59 citations issued during July. There are 10 ongoing investigations.

Fire Chief Dan Yant reported there were seven calls for service in the month of July. He added that Engine No. 2 had been repaired. Funds for that repair will come from the fundraiser account.

An item of interest in the financial report was a $2,000 check to City Attorney Joe Fowlkes. That is the salary due Fowlkes from April of 2005 to the present.

Alderman Holt, who chaired the annex committee, stated she still has concerns about the street lights. She plans to meet with Pulaski Electric's Jack Chapman for some answers.

Alderman Joe Tankersley said he had received another bid for the fire hall. He told the council he will fax the bids to the engineer.

Mayor Ware said data concerning the addition of two customers to waste water treatment system has not been received. The mayor added the request for a park grant has been denied. Ardmore was the only municipality in Giles County to receive a park grant this year.

The next meeting of the Elkton Board of Mayor and Aldermen will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, September 1.

"That is when the new aldermen can take office and I think that is when we should meet", the mayor stated.

Marie Russell turned in her resignation as street department employee effective August 7. The mayor said that position will not be filled at this time.