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Jackson Council considering full-time mayor During a work session Aug. 3, members of the Jackson City Council discussed the possibility of a full-time mayor's position for the city. Three council members are in favor of going to a full-time mayor, while Mayor Richard Long and three other council members are opposed to it. Favoring the change are councilmen Robert Marks, Daron Bolen and Eddie Huggins. Voicing opposition were councilmen Paul South, Eldridge Jackson Jr. and Anthony Jackson. During Tuesday's regular council meeting, Marks issued the following statement: "I have received numerous inquiries about the city of Jackson going to a full-time mayor for the next municipal election cycle in 2008. In order to do that the city council would have to pass a resolution, which would allow the citizens of Jackson to vote on whether or not they would like a full-time mayor. With the full-time mayor there may no longer be a need for a city administrator since the mayor would take on those duties. I would like the citizens to contact me by either e-mail or regular mail and let me know what your opinion is concerning this issue, or you can present a petition to the council." Marks can be reached at: robertmarks@BOISEPAPER. COM or by regular mail at Robert Marks, P.O. Box 1154, Jackson, AL 36545. Councilman Bolen said he would also welcome comments from citizens concerning the issue. After the meeting, Councilman Paul South explained that he and the others that oppose the move to a full-time mayoral position are in favor of hiring an economic development advisor for the city. "The citizens have to decide whether or not they want to pay a mayor a full-time salary," he said. "With Mayor Long not seeking re-election, the person coming into the mayor's position would have to devote most of his or her time to learning the job. An economic developer who specializes in that area makes more sense." South added that he invites comments on the issue as well. Bids for new police complex During Tuesday's meeting the council approved a motion to accept bids for the new police department complex to be built on property adjacent to Jackson City Hall. Details of the exact design of the new police station have not been finalized, although a design was recently submitted by the architect hired by the city. City Clerk Betty Powell explained that some minor changes were being made to the original plans drawn up by the architect. The new complex will be built on the lot next to the old Alabama Power building, which was purchased by the city earlier this year. That building, which temporarily houses the Alabama Career Center, will be used by the city and the police department for storage purposes. Mayor's report *Mayor Long gave his report to the council stating that site work had begun on the Industrial Road railroad overpass. "I encourage all wood trucks traveling to Boise to use the Highway 177 exit at the water treatment plant rather than the Industrial Road exit on U.S. Highway 43 at the Exxon station," he said. "Trucks traveling through town to Boise are violating a city ordinance and drivers will be issued citations. Eighteenwheel trucks are not allowed in the city unless they are delivering goods or purchasing fuel." *Long also spoke about the supplier's conference to be conducted in Thomasville, Wednesday, Aug. 9, stating that Gov. Bob Riley and U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner were both expected to be in attendance. He added that City Administrator Jesse Miller and members of the council would be attending the conference. *The mayor reminded drivers to be on the lookout for school buses and children with the opening of the new school year today (Thursday). "Motorists should obey the posted speed limits in school zones and stop for school buses when they are loading and unloading," he said. "These are our children and our future leaders." *"Peebles and Pizza Pro have opened for business," Long announced during his comments to the council. "The strip mall across from Merchants Bank is progressing and work is continuing on the Chinese restaurant next to Dirt Cheap." In other business: *The purchase of turnout gear for the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department, at a cost of $25,000, was approved. Councilman Bolen said the addition of the new gear would allow the department to provide gear for every member. *A fence for the property adjacent to the cemetery on Commerce Street donated to the city by the McCorquodale family was approved. *A paving project at H.W. Pearce Park, in the amount of $27,000, was approved. *Council members voted to approve the placement of speed bumps on Fran and Oak streets. City Public Works Director Kevin Woodson was given the task of determining whether one or two speed bumps are needed on each street. *The council approved the purchase of a 25-ft. Christmas tree to be placed in the lot next to the downtown fire station facing Forest Avenue during the Christmas season. Councilman Marks explained that the tree was artificial and would come equipped with lights. He said it comes apart in sections so that it can be taken apart and reused each year. "I think this will be a nice addition to our city for the Christmas season," said Long. "I look forward to the city having gatherings for citizens and hearing wonderful Christmas carols being sung." *A motion was approved to apply for the 2006-2007 grant in support of Task Force One, the drug enforcement agency for Clarke, Washington and Choctaw counties, which is based in Jackson. The amount of the grant is $166,666.67 and requires a 10 percent match by the city ($16,666.67). In the past the grant has required as much as a 50 percent match. Mayor Long credited Congressman Jo Bonner with helping get that percentage lowered. *Nutrition Center Director Nellie Edge gave a report on activities at the facility. She said a site council had been set up as recommended by the Area Council on Aging, which suggests that the center have some type of activity planned for senior citizens every three months.
Edge said in addition to daily entertainment and informative programs, the center also offers valuable services to senior citizens throughout the month. Services offered this month include blood pressure checks on Aug. 15 and free legal services by a state appointed attorney on Aug. 29. Seniors over 60 are eligible for these services at no charge, although donations are accepted. For more information call 246-1300.
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