WM decides against monthly bulk pick up

By DONNA RYDER Messenger Associate Editor Residents in Woodland Mills will not be paying an extra monthly fee for bulk pick up. Several residents appeared before the mayor and board of aldermen Monday night to show their displeasure with the idea. Mayor Wade Carrington had asked Barker Brothers what it would cost for the city to have a monthly pick up of limbs, debris and other large items on a monthly basis, instead of just twice per year. The price came out to $3.50 per household each month. When the matter first came up several months ago, Carrington was unsure if the pick up was for everything or just limbs. Once that was clarified, the board decided to table the decision until it could hear from its citizens. The board agreed to dismiss the idea Monday night. In a related matter, the board expressed thanks to Mike Hall of Hall’s Tree Service for his quick response to the city’s request to have him clear the residents’ trees and limbs which had been downed during the remnants of Hurricane Ike. In other business, after the meeting was opened in prayer by alderman Mark Hayes and those attending led in the Pledge of Allegiance by alderman Waymon Reagan, the board: • Heard from Jeff Decker, who said the ball league is getting ready to replace the awning on the concession stand and money raised by the coach pitch teams has been used to purchase supplies for the dugout. • Was informed by resident Bill Sowell that he is not happy with the water and sewer rate increases. The board informed him they have no control over the water rates and they have to charge enough for the sewer to pay what the city is being charged by Union City. The board will have to find out how much Union City has gone up on the city’s treatment before determining a new rate. If Woodland Mills has been able to save a significant amount by repairing leaks in the system, it may be possible for the town to decrease the rate. Reagan said the city last went up on rates in 2006. Carrington added the last manhole has been repaired with a riser. • Approved September financial statements including total assets of $10,786.86 in the street aid fund, $6,407.65 in the refuse collection fund, $560,206.99 in the sewer fund and $51,780.63 in the general fund. • Agreed to renew three CDs for a six-month period. • Learned the city has heard from a relative of the owner of a former store in the city limits where junk is piled on a trailer. The required certified letter was sent and received by the owner. It was also noted that another piece of property which has been an eye sore in town is being cleared and made to drain better. • Was informed the springs and a seesaw purchased for the playground with a parks grant have arrived and should be installed this week. The board asked city recorder Thelma Green to write letters of thanks to those instrumental in helping the city get the grant. • Was reminded of the Oct. 27 fall clean up day. Items should be curbside before 7 a.m. that day for pick up. • Agreed to make a donation to Chimes for Charity. • Received a bill for Obion County Joint Economic Development dues. • Set the city’s business appreciation dinner for 6 p.m. Dec. 8. The city’s meeting will be held prior to the meal at 5:30. • Reminded the mayor to call County Mayor Benny McGuire to have him swear in the newly-elected mayor and aldermen on Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. • Asked Mrs. Green to contact the electric company to have street lights replaced. Associate Editor Donna Ryder can be contacted by e-mail at dryder@ucmessenger.com. Published in The Messenger 10.14.08

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