Speeding on city streets addressed at Hickman Commission meeting

A resident attended the Hickman City Commission on Oct. 8 concerned about the speed of heavy trucks traveling down Broadway Street.

Robin Cagle Stacks said, “I witnessed an incident last Tuesday that was uncalled for with a grain truck. He was flying down the road and a dog was struck and killed. A neighbor’s little girl started toward the road and another truck at high speed was approaching. I ran out in the road and stayed in the middle trying to get the truck to slow down. It is time to put a stop to them using the road. I can’t sit on my front porch and talk on the phone because the drivers are going so fast. The speed limit is 35 mph, why can’t they go down to the dip and then proceed on to the granaries.”

The Commission discussed possible solutions including enforcing the speed limit and checking to see about posting signs prohibiting trucks.

City Attorney LeeAnna Wilkerson will check to see what options the city has to help reduce the speed and flow of traffic.

Jim Shanks with Aramark Uniforms stated he had asked to meet with City Manager James Gray about the service his company previously had with the city.

Shanks said, “I contacted the city manager on Feb. 13 and agreed to match the competition’s price, with no decision being made. I received an emailed the City had agreed to change to Cintas. On June 28 I sent a breach of contract letter to Manager Gray and finally met with him on July 27, where he agreed to pay the remainder of the contract.”

City Manager Gray stated, “I did not say we would pay, I said I would bring before the Commission.”

Mayor David Lattus asked, “What are you asking for tonight?”

Shanks replied, “I was told the city would pay and I created an invoice and am asking to have the payment rendered.”

Attorney Wilkerson asked Shanks to send her a copy of the contract and she will look into it and get back with him.

Hickman Chief of Police Tony Grogan’s Code Enforcement report included the reevaluation of property at 2001 Moscow Ave. Some of the vehicle have been removed, however there are still vehicles on the property.

Mengel Mart is currently in compliance as they have mowed the yard. James Black’s property, the old John Deere building, is not in compliance.

Grogan has trimmed around several stop signs because he received some complaints.

Burning within the city limits was discussed.

One property owner is burning every night and residents are calling City Hall complaining in west Hickman and on off of Moscow Ave.

Kentucky Law has burning from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m., with restrictions as to what can be burned.

Fires for disposal of household rubbish and garbage are expressly prohibited.

Certain exceptions including notifying the fire department prior to ignition of the fire.

The Commission will check into what the City Ordinances are about burning and abide by them.

The City Manager gave the public works and his reports.

A company will be coming in and bore a new line under the road on Hwy 309 for a leak.

Dotson Contractors will be in Hickman on Oct. 15 for the collapsed manhole at the levee.

They will bring in a trackhoe with a special grip to raise the manhole.

Quite a bit of work has been done at the Wastewater Plant. Both sludge pumps are running, thought one was damaged, pulled it out and it just needed to be cleaned.

Back-up pumps are now at each of the lift stations.

“We got off schedule a bit waiting for the chemicals to come in to clean the media at the Water Plant. The chemicals were not on back order, they just didn’t come in as quick as we wanted, and is scheduled to start on Oct. 15. We will be down to one filter at a time, with completion on Oct. 19, for both filters,” stated Manager Gray.

The city will rebid for the project at the Water Plant, because no one submitted a bid previously. Deadline for bids is Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. for the holding basis.

Mayor Lattus stated, “We have places that need attention. The floodwall and the old E.W. James need to be cleared.”

Manager Gray replied, “I have talked with Jailer Steven Williams and he will try to get a crew out there.”

Lattus said, “We have to mow the floodwall property. With trees growing the Corps will get us.”

One bid was received for paving in the City of Hickman. Union City Paving bid $75,900, well under what was budgeted, leaving some MAP funds for possible repairs.”

Union City Paving expects to start the beginning of November and be completed this year.

Manager Gray recommended accepting the bid.

The second reading of Ordinance 18-82 was held and adopted for 2018 Real and Personal Property Tax Rate. The commission will take the compensating rate, which will generate the same revenue as last year and not increase taxes for city residents.

Kelly Laster submitted a letter of resignation from the Planning and Zoning Board.

Commissioner Heath Carlton asked about the computers for the Kentucky Ops.

City Manager Gray said, “The laptop we have was not up to date and will not operate the proper Windows and software. We are waiting on quotes for two laptops, along with operating systems that will operate the Kentucky Ops.”

“I have talked with Mrs. Potts at the Four Rivers Career Academy and if we can get one of the Toughbooks to him, will check to see what he can do,” stated Carlton.

Chief Grogan replied, “Kentucky Ops will not work on Toughbooks. They are just too old.”

Commissioner Phillip Williams said, “I’ve had several people call about Vance Street is beyond mowing and weeding, it is chainsaw time to get the trees down.”

Commissioner Carlton said, “I have talked with Alan about using the county’s Motrim. Alan said when he gets finished he will let Danny run the Motrim in the city and get streets cleaned.”

David Thomas said, “I have received positive feedback for the video from the meetings. An individual has reached out to the Fulton County Sheriff’s office and given them some ammunition and body cams.”

“Another thing is the fence around the bluff behind the library has big sections missing. Caution tape has been placed, but it needs to be repaired,” continued Thomas.

Lattus stated, “Believe it or not, vandals have created the damage. There are extra pillars but can’t be located.”

It was also mentioned a new lock needs to be placed on the gate behind the pavilion, and the key left at the police station.