Fire Chief Provides Update On Anderson Flood Repairs

Anderson Fire Chief Shelby Turner updated the council on the status of flood repairs and reimbursement during the city’s regular meeting on May 16.

Turner told council members CEMA and FEMA have both completed their preliminary reports on the town, and officials are confident there will be a declaration once the entire state has been evaluated.

He said infrastructure repair costs will likely be reimbursed at a percentage. The rate was between 75 and 85 following the flood in 2015.

Mayor John Sellers went on to praise the police and fire departments for their aid during the severe weather.

“It’s virtually unheard of, having the town split in two like that,” he noted.

Departmental Reports

Interim Police Chief Jerry Hatfield reported things are running smoothly and the department is steadily building its reserves.

The council noted that Seth Daniels will soon take over as chief.

Fire Chief Turner reported that calls were up 130 percent this month, as a result of the weather.

Turner inquired about the possibility of using any surplus in the department’s yearly budget to purchase a back-up generator at the Fire Department.

Alderman Gene Cantrell asked if Turner had sold the department’s surplus vehicles. Turner reported selling the two for a collective $7,000 – half the cost of a new vehicle.

Public Works Director Ben Shoemaker suggested selling the city’s surplus water tanks.

Shoemaker said the Street Department’s Mahindra tractor is failing and provided two bids for another. He reported issues with the radiator, hydraulics and ignition. He also noted the tractor is using a larger brush-hog than the machine can handle.

Alderman Cantrell recommended servicing the current machinery, noting it only has 1,400 hours logged.

Alderman Chris Cable suggested speaking with the dealer about trading the brush-hog attachment for the correct size.

The council voted to replace the tractor’s radiator and have it serviced. In other business:

The council approved a payment of $43,685 to Hutchens Construction for the paving of U.S. Highway 71B, between Patterson and Cedar streets.

The council voted to transfer $1,500 from General Fund to Summer Recreation to pay program director Mike Schlessman.

The council approved a sponsorship of $1,000 to benefit the Berries, Bluegrass, and BBQ Festival.

In light of recent, prolonged power outages, the council voted to purchase a back-up generator fueled with propane.

The council voted to reappoint city attorney Garrett Thomas.