Called Council Meeting Minutes

June 3, 2004

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rozier with Councilman Ray opening in prayer.

Councilman Ray made a motion to adjourn into executive session.  Councilman Myrick seconded the motion and it passed with 5 affirmative votes. 

A copy of the signed affidavit as required by the Open Meetings Law is attached. 

After completion of the executive session, Councilman Ray made a motion to return to the general session.  Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with 5 affirmative votes.

Mayor Rozier acknowledged that Councilman Wedincamp requested to be on the agenda to discuss locks for the city’s fire hydrants.  Councilman Wedincamp expressed concern for the safety of the city with the G8 and the terrorist threats we face we could be a prime target.  Councilman Waller questioned if any of the other cities were using the locks.   At this time no one is aware of any of the cities using the locks.  Councilman Wedincamp advised that a letter had been received from Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung encouraging cities to have frequent visual checks of their well sites, fire hydrants and tanks. Mayor Rozier expressed concern over any delay the locks may cause the fire department but was assured by Chief Tyler that the delay would be minimal.  Chief Gossett advised that this is not a G8 issued the G8 is already here, his concern was the City’s liability if the water was not protected.  Councilman Tyler asked Attorney Dickey to share his opinion.  Attorney Dickey advised that no suit could be brought against the city because we do not have the locks nor could a suit be brought because a terrorist act was performed to the City.  The only time we are liable is when we under take a duty and do not perform that duty fully.  Councilman Myrick advised that the funds were not in the budget at this time.   Councilman Ray stated we need to include the cost in the budget preparation for the upcoming year.  Councilman Wedincamp expressed that his concern is not legal but safety for the City and suggested that until the locks were obtained that we have daily safety checks of the approximately 50 fire hydrants located in the City.  Councilman Tyler suggested that we paint color strips on the hydrants that could be seen by the police officers or maintenance department who could do a ride by check if the hydrants are tampered with as the color lines will most likely not line up.  Councilman Myrick stated we would probably spend more on personnel doing checks than the locks would cost.   After continued discussion Councilman Tyler stated that we could go ahead and paint the hydrants until the locks are purchased.  Councilman Waller made a motion to install the security locks and include this item for the budget year 2004/2005.  Councilman Tyler seconded the motion and it passed with 5 affirmative votes.

There being no further business Councilman Tyler made a motion to adjourn.  Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with 5 affirmative votes.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50pm.

Mayor Rozier and Councilmen Myrick, Ray, Tyler, Waller, Wedincamp and Attorney Raymond Dickey were present at meeting.