Florence: Actions of few ruin privilege of others
City of Florence gives up bulk water sales
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
Another small town amenity came to an end in Florence at the city council meeting Monday afternoon.
Councilman Bryan Harper noted the practice of selling bulk water is being abused by some Florence citizens.
"Residents all have to pay for their water," said Harper. "Everyone has to pay. And water bills have been high because of the heat and lack of rain.
"But then there is that group that just takes what they want from the (bulk water) tank and they pay nothing," he said. "It's unfair to everyone else and it should be stopped."
The city of Florence maintains a water tank at the city equipment yard near the former city building on Fourth Street. Residents, the county and state road departments, construction crews, and area farmers use the bulk water tank on an "honor" system. After helping themselves to whatever they need from the tank, they stop by the city building and pay for the water or have it added to a running total they maintain on a monthly basis.
According to Harper there are more than just a couple of people who take water on a regular basis, but do not pay the city anything.
"It isn't fair to those who have been paying all along and it's not fair to the residents who pay their regular bills every month," he said.
After discussion of its options council agreed it is just time to get out of the bulk water sales business. On a motion by councilman Randy Mills and a second by councilman Ed Robinson, the vote was three to zero in favor of discontinuing the practice of selling bulk water (councilman Dan Ludwig was late to the meeting).
Mills asked city clerk Darla Gore to contact those regular bulk water customers and explain the city will no longer be in a position to sell water.
The water tank will be locked and acting police chief Erik King was instructed to pursue theft charges against anyone caught taking water from the tank.
Council also heard from Joe Heath that a dozen or so military service markers at Hillcrest Cemetery have been damaged either by vandals or by someone accidentally driving over them. Heath said he pulled several from the ground and straightened them. He asked the city to remind employees and the mowing people to watch for the markers.
In other business the council:
— heard from Sarah Cope, economic development chairman, that Marion County Economic Development has developed a promotion to encourage people to eat in county restaurants between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31. Also Cope is working out an agreement with the café in Cassoday, which hosts motorcycle riders from all over the area on the first Sunday of the month, to promote "mini-trips" to Marion County towns. More information on both promotions will be offered at a later council meeting.
— agreed to have Mayor Sue Klassen proclaim Aug. 18 to Sept. 14 official "Sign up for Scouting" days in Florence to encourage local boys to sign up for Boy Scouts.
— heard that city attorney Marilyn Wilder has requested more information about the boundaries, easements, and history of the "street" that cuts off a corner of Venetia Miller's property. Gore told council the information has been sent.
— heard from Gore that a letter was received from Oasis school indicating staff and students would like to become more involved in the community.
— discussed the possibility of notifying residents when a water leak or water plant problem means residents must go several hours without water. Members agreed to have Gore change the message on the city answering machine to indicate how long the water would be shut off.
— approved a year-long contract with Hach, Inc. to calibrate the water plant equipment at a cost of $1228 which includes quarterly trips to the water plant and the cost of two additional trips for problems with the plant. Additional travel to Florence will be done at no charge to the city.
— heard that fire chief Tim Parmley is getting bids on having 25 department and city fire extinguishers recharged.
— asked King to contact a company in El Dorado for information on sealing cracks in the asphalt of the city's streets. King thought the company, a start-up paving group, would be willing to do the work for the cost of materials and an endorsement from the city after the work is completed.
— approved the appointment of Trayce Warner as trash truck driver for one-half day on Aug. 24. Regular driver Dan Kyle will be absent.
— approved rental of a grinder to flatten the bumps in the asphalt on Fifth Street caused by the heat and heavy truck traffic.
— heard that Peabody city employees will bring the mosquito sprayer to Florence Aug. 24 and 31 to spray before the Labor Day celebration.
— went into executive session for the purpose of discussing acquisition of property. Gore was included in the session. On return to open meeting members voted unanimously to pursue acquisition of 13 acres of state land that adjoins the city water tower between U.S.-50 and U.S.-77.
— went into a second executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. Gore and King were included in the session. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
