By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer
Okarche Town Board members continue to make changes as new board members tackle issues raised by citizens.
Since the April election swept in two new board members, residents have seen their requests up for discussion on the agendas.
During the regular meeting Monday night board members approved an item that will change the town board meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The town will soon have two more storm sirens and golf carts will be allowed inside city limits pending the establishment of rules and regulations.
Golf carts was a surprising priority, board member Matt Blackwood said Tuesday.
“I didn’t realize how big of a deal this is to people, which is fine,” Blackwood said. “If they want us to address it, we will.”
Board members discussed possible rules and regulations for the golf carts which will could include a driver’s license, insurance, be 18 years-old, and a permit.
“Of course they would have to abide by all traffic laws,” Blackwood said. “If it doesn’t have appropriate lighting, then you can’t drive it night.”
Blackwood said the issue came to light because some farmers wanted to use the golf carts on city streets.
SAFETY, NUISANCES
Safety issues and nuisances were also discussed during the meeting Monday night.
The board accepted a bid for $35,052.68 to install two new storm sirens. A bid has not been accepted for generators for the police and fire departments and for the siren system.
“The sirens are omnidirectional which are a lot cheaper but they’re more effective because the sound goes around in all different directions,” Blackwood said. “I’m assuming they’ll go where the old ones have been by the park and the pool and by the north end of town near Community National Bank.”
SONIC LIGHTING
The lighting at Sonic could soon change after board members discussed complaints from citizens. The flashing sign and parking lights are shining in people’s homes nearby.
“I get all the complaints because that’s my part of town,” Blackwood said. “I’ve had a lot of complaints about it. I’m hoping to get some clarification on the agreement that was made between the planning and zoning and Sonic. I’ve been told several different things. The billboard lights because they flash and change with different advertisements and its low to the ground, it shines in people’s windows. The parking lights, I’ve had complaints where they’re tilted too far one way and shine into people’s homes because they’re not focused downward. We’ll address it.”
CHIEF’S RAISE
Other matters decided were financial and personnel issues. Board members voted to keep Police Chief Forrest Smith on the force and increased his pay with a $5,000 raise.
“It’s common to do a performance review every year,” Blackwood said of the chief’s position. “His performance, at least since we’ve been in office, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and done with bells on. He’s cooperated with everything and been informative on issues we’ve come to him with, problems that were needing solved.”
