By Nathan Prewett
For the Tribune
ARGO — At a regular Argo City Council meeting Monday evening, August 13, the Council heard several reports, namely from the police and fire departments, as well as the Teen Council and the Food Bank. Discussion returned on the topic of the sign ordinance as well as a report on the progress of the storm shelter.
Officer Alan Busler gave the police report for the month of July, which included 21 domestic violence calls, 42 fire department assists, 88 officer assists, 111-911 calls, eight motor vehicle accidents, 23 residential and business alarms, 14 license verification contacts, 1,273 dispatch calls, 306 patrol requests, 67 public assistance, 18 drivers license violations, 19 license plate violations, three DUI’s, seven driving on the wrong side of the road, eight drug cases, two citations for operating without a business license and 38 calls on Interstate 59.
Busler reported that Sgt. Mike Jennings had resigned from the department and an applicant is currently being reviewed for a position.
Afterwards, Fire Chief Heath Smith gave his report for the fire district, stating that there were 51-911 calls, 37 medical calls, four trees down on roadways, one working structure fire, one working train fire, one woods fire, two motor vehicle accidents, two blood pressure checks, one burn complaint, one lift assist and one police department assist.
Regarding the storm shelter, Councilor Tony Aldredge reported that he had met with engineers from Civil Consultants Inc. and said that the earliest they could be out to work on the shelter would be in November, though he said that time frame was longer than he had hoped. Additionally Aldredge received a proposal for a new design. After much discussion, the Council voted to allow him to negotiate fees for the shelter’s design.
Once again the sign ordinance was brought up by Council. The meeting began with a public hearing on the sign ordinance that has been an ongoing topic of discussion for the Council. At the previous meeting, a draft of the ordinance was approved. No one from the public spoke for or against it. On the advice of City Attorney Scott Barnett, the Council considered the draft at tonight’s meeting a first reading.
Emma Owen of the Teen Council gave an update on the National Night Out on Aug. 6, calling the event a success. She presented Jim Link of the Food Bank a donation of $45.25 raised from the occasion. Mayor Betty Bradley then read aloud a proclamation that recognized Owen and the Council for their work in organizing National Night Out.
Link gave a report on the Food Bank, thanking those who took part in donating. He said that the bank will hold a giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
In her comments, Bradley announced that Fishers of Men Farm in Steele will be holding a festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The farm is located on 450 Sweatt Road and will feature vendors, crafts, silent auction, hay rides, entertainment, games for children, and other activities, she said.
In other business, the council:
- Approved $1,130.65 to repair the city’s maintenance truck;
- Heard from Massey, who reported that plans are in place to begin road paving by Aug. 17 or 20 and
- Heard from a church spokesman who gave plaques to the fire and police departments as part of a prayer service.
The next Argo City Council will be held on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
