News

Commissioners delay approval of junk ordinance


By Russ Corey
Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 11:59 p.m.

TUSCUMBIA -- Colbert County commissioners formed a committee Tuesday to look into ways of enforcing a proposed junk ordinance.

A QUICK LOOK
  • The issue: Colbert commissioners are considering an ordinance that would-prohibit junk to accumulate on private property in the-county.
  • What's new: Commissioners say the wording of the proposed ordinance, under the part about enforcement, needs work.
  • What's next: A committee of three commissioners, the county administrator and county attorney will work on the wording and present the ordinance at the April 3 meeting.

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    During Tuesday's meeting, Commissioner Emmitt Jimmar suggested rewriting a portion of the ordinance to avoid conflict with landowners whose property might fall under the ordinance.

    The ordinance would affect property that contains accumulations of junk, such as old cars, scrap metal and other items.

    The new ordinance is the result of the passage of the Limited Self-Governance Act in November that was approved by Colbert voters 2,739 to 1,706. The act allows county governments to pass local ordinances addressing issues such as junk, weeds and litter, animal control and other health-related issues.

    Jimmar said he wants to look at ways to work with county residents rather than against them in enforcing the ordinance.

    "I think we should have a little compassion in enforcing the ordinance," he said.

    Jimmar also said he thought the commission could have done a better job in informing people about the ordinance and of publicizing a March 5 hearing for public input about the ordinance.

    "All the feedback I got was positive," Commission Chairman Rex Burleson said. "I haven't gotten any negative feedback."

    The committee includes Jimmar, Commissioners Howard Keeton and James Bingham, County Attorney James A. "Jap" Patton and County Administrator Donna Llewellyn.

    The commission will address the committee's changes at their April 3 meeting.

    The ordinance must be advertised for four weeks before it can be put into effect.

    In other business, the commission:

  • declared three trucks in the county road department as surplus equipment.

  • awarded a fuel bid to Tatum Oil Co.

  • approved a funding agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of Sixth Street.

  • approved a bridge replacement project on Patrick Lane over Cornelius Creek.

  • agreed to allow the county road department to assist in the construction of a playground at Leighton Elementary School.

  • approved the purchase of-a $120 advertisement in-the LaGrange Living History-program.

  • approved the opening of a direct deposit bank account with First Metro Bank.

  • approved the renewal of a contract with the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments to provide services for senior citizen centers.

  • appointed Dewey King to the E-911 board of directors.

    Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.


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