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Stockton aldermen approve rescue boat, discuss policy changes

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The Stockton Board of Aldermen approved the purchase of a fire/rescue boat, discussed SACC Halloween plans, and reviewed several policy changes at Monday night's regularly scheduled meeting.

The council approved the purchase of a 2007, 7-foot jon boat with a 70-horse powered motor to be used primarily for river rescues. Purchase price is $1,500. Fire Chief Kenney Daniels said there are two or three rescues a year, and the city relies on farmers’  and citizens’ assistance. He added that sometimes they are delayed over an hour before water control rescue can reach them. 

Those operating the boat will be trained in swift water rescue. The boat will be radio equipped and probably be operated by no more than three trained individuals, according to the chief. It will be equipped with lights and stickers, making the boat plainly visible.

In other action, Stockton Chamber of Commerce president Bill Crabtree asked the council to approve SACC’s use of the park for Halloween night. He said there was not enough help to do a haunted house this year, so the Chamber wanted to revert to Halloween in the park. 

The council approved the SACC request contiguous on agreement with the park board which had not been notified prior to the request.

Brandon Zerkle addressed the council asking consideration of extending water service outside the city limits. Zerkle said he purchased lots 30 and 47 adjacent to city limits and noted the property across the street was serviced with water. However, the council pointed out  that property was in city limits. After a discussion, Zerkle’s request was denied, citing it would set a precedent for everyone outside city limits. It was also noted that the expense for adding an extension was not feasible.

Tena Hale, a representative of Liberty Utilities, spoke with the council concerning the feasibility of Liberty purchasing the city’s water/sewage system. Hale noted that Bolivar recently allowed Liberty to purchase their city facilities, and she showed a video of Bolivar’s mayor expressing his satisfaction with the purchase. The council listened to the presentation. No discussion followed.

In addition, the council approved the process of background checks for the city’s sports programs, approved city-owned hangar’s new lease, and a new policy for use of the airport courtesy car.

The council also approved the use of McMillian funds for rebricking around the flagpole in the park and agreed to waive fees of the American Legion’s use of the FFA pavilion for a Glenn Burnaman fundraiser.

A long discussion was held concerning a city-owned hanger lease. The adoption of the lease is necessary after the city was given the hanger. Following discussion, the council agreed to review the lease and consider adoption at a later date.

Mike Bullinger, Cedar County police liaison, gave the council a report on numbers of violations and citations issued during the month. Dean Higley, council member, noted kids are leaving practice and there have been some people complaining of speeders during that time. Higley pointed out that the streets in the area may need to have more of a police presence during that time. 

Council member Mary Norell said there seems to be speeding in town, and there was a discussion concerning ways to manage the issues.



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