Code Enforcement Officer Randy Melton was first to address the council. Initially, Melton discussed the city’s storm water program. His intentions were to remind the community that since the completion of this multi-million dollar storm water project, new ordinances restrict residences from blowing leaves and grass into the culvert system.
“Under the new ordinance we passed last year, putting leaves or grass clippings now into the streets, the storm drains or anywhere is a crime,” remarked Melton, “and it has a real serious fine. The reason for that is it causes pollution to the water if it gets in there and it clogs up our ditches and our culverts.” Melton went on to say that if residents will notify the Street Department and bag their landscape debris, street department employees will pick the items up free of charge.
In regards to the April PRIDE event, Melton said that over 100 volunteers were already signed up to participate. The volunteers have selected five areas across the city for clean-up. According to Melton, the alley behind Burger King on U.S Highway 25-E, the ditch and street beside Save-A-Lot, the canal running between 22nd Street and Sharp’s Cleaners, Sharp’s Cemetery and Bellwood Road are the current PRIDE clean-up locations.
Melton concluded by notifying councilmen of a planned “Fish Fest”. Children 12 and under are invited on Saturday, April 18 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to fish in the city canal beside City Hall. Last year’s event offered free food and fun games to all those who were there.
A female resident of 622 Chester Ave. was next to speak with councilmen. The lady wanted to know who was responsible for the debris, rocks, trees and garbage piled up on her property after a canal was cleaned along Chester Ave. She said that in addition to the garbage, her neighbor’s property is now suffering from erosion and is close to falling into the canal.
Street Department Superintendent Leemon Moyers responded to the lady’s concerns. The two agreed that on Monday, Moyers would visit the site in question and see what could be done.
“We have been in the process of cleaning it, but you’ve got to let things settle in,” Moyers said.
Middlesboro resident and antique store owner Angela Jackson approached council in regards to some buildings downtown with shattered glass windows. Jackson was distressed and claimed that pigeons inhabit these buildings. She requested that the council strongly enforce city codes and/or at least have building owners board up their windows.
“It’s disgraceful. A citizen could die from pigeon disease,” remarked Jackson.
Councilmen Ronnie Carter asked Code Enforcement if they could check on the situation.
In regard to Jackson’s comments, Middlesboro Police Chief Jeff Sharpe felt it was a suitable time to recognize the Discover Downtown Middlesboro organization. Sharpe said that “a lot of things are going on right now under the radar” and “an active assessment is ongoing now.”
Sharpe said that in spite of his first impression of DDM, he commends the organization for their ongoing efforts in cleaning up downtown.
“You got a whole lot of people that are dedicated to this who aren’t getting paid a nickel for it,” said Sharpe.
In official business, the council approved the following:
• Minutes of the March 3 meeting
• Fire reports, police reports and the promotion of Sgt. Tom Busic of the Middlesboro Police Dept. to Lieutenant
• Refunds for 2008 Ad Valorem tax bills
• Consideration of blacktop bids
• Correspondence to Gov. Steve Beshear requesting 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus funding
Before approval from the council, there was some debate over a request made by Jules & Beck Combined Shows. The carnival requested permission from the city to operate at Middlesboro Mall from May 10 through May 17. Although the group paid their licensing fee and showed proof of insurance, some councilmen thought the operation should be charged more money.
According to J.C. Meredith, carnivals have been charged $10per day to operate within the city since 1976 . Councilman Ronnie Carter thought that the license fee should be increased. Councilmen Gary Mills said it should not.
“It brings people to town and they’re going to spend money while they’re here,” remarked Mills.
“Carnival prices have gone up on tickets and they can make more than in ‘76,” stated Councilman Lucas Carter, “we should be able to make a little more, too.”
“If they’re successful in what they do then that means a whole lot of people have come into town to enjoy that,” Meredith said. “And when people are here, they’re going to be spending money with merchants.”
After further debate, a motion was made to have the finance committee review an increase in cost for carnival permits.
Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be contacted via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.
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