Elkton Council Meets

by Perry Lewter

The Elkton Board of Mayor and Aldermen met in regular session Thursday, November 9 with all members present. City Attorney Joe Fowlkes, who is out of the country, was absent.

Mary Cribbs of the Ardmore Civitan Club presented Elkton Mayor Bill Ware with a check for the South Giles Ambulance Service. That money will go toward the construction of a garage to help protect the ambulances during the winter months.

In making the presentation, Cribbs said this is an act of camaraderie and unity between the neighboring towns. She expressed her hope that many acts of unity will follow.

Police Chief Jim Stewart said funds have been made available for the purchase of an additional vehicle for law enforcement. Plans call for selling the older vehicle to individuals in Alabama who purchase older law enforcement vehicles. Money from the grant along with the funds from the sale of the vehicle will allow the city to purchase a newer vehicle.

During the police report, Stewart stated during October there was one arrest, 51 citations and 11 calls for service. There are currently two ongoing investigations.

Fire Chief Dan Yant reported there were two meetings and four calls for service in October. He also stated that the annual Turkey Shoot was scheduled for Saturday, November 11.

The financial report was approved without discussion. Alderman Doug Turner made the motion and Vice Mayor Carolyn Holt gave the second to the motion that passed unanimously.

It was announced there is a special projects committee that includes one representative from each of the nine sections of Elkton. The committee is to report to the citizens of that section of town of upcoming events.

City Recorder Marge Brooks was appointed in charge of the annual Christmas Party. She will notify the aldermen when the event will take place.

Mayor Ware encouraged all citizens to participate in the local garbage pick up. Letters are being sent to all those in the city limits to notify them of the service. Concern was expressed that several of the citizens recently annexed in were not aware of the service.

Christmas bonuses were set at Thursday’s meetings. Full-time employees will be receiving a bonus of $150 while part-time employees will get $75.

The city will be sponsoring an Angel Tree project again this year. Participants are asked to spend no more than $50 per angel. Names for the tree will be obtained from Elkton School and should be available in the very near future.

Mary Cribbs of the Ardmore Civitan Club added that organization and the city should work together on that project.

The city agreed to purchase a new awning for the Elkton City Hall. The project will be complete below or at the $1,600 mark.

Elkton City Hall will close the day following Thanksgiving. Alderman Turner made the motion and Vice Mayor Holt gave the second. That motion passed unanimously.

The city also voted unanimously to purchase a chainsaw for $350. Alderman Payton Blade made the motion with a second from Alderman Turner.

Mayor Ware announced there will be a public hearing at 10 a.m. Friday, November 17 concerning a grant to extend the waste water lines. He encourages everyone to attend the meeting that will be held at Elkton City Hall.