Council Addresses Engine Brakes, Disorderly Conduct

Anderson’s City Council instated two new ordinances during the regular meeting on Tuesday — one regarding “Jake braking” in town and another covering disorderly conduct.

A “Jake brake” is less commonly known as a compression release engine brake. These mechanisms open exhaust valves to release compressed air through the exhaust when braking, rather than through the cylinder to the piston. This emits a loud, jarring sound about which residents have complained.

Ordinance 61918A prohibits the use of compression release engine brakes within city limits which result in excessively loud noise in order to preserve the peace, health and comfort of the public. This shall not apply to emergency driving situations where the use of a compression release engine brake protects the safety and property of residents.

Those convicted of violating this ordinance are subject to a fine of up to $500.

Ordinance 61918B outlines actions fitting of disorderly conduct in public, including: Causing loud noise; Using offensive language to a specific individual which is likely to produce a violent response;

Threatening to commit a felonious act;

Provoking or engaging in any fight or riotous act;

Creating a noxious and offensive odor;

Obstructing the flow of traffic and refusing to clear the public way when ordered to do so;

Being in a public place under the influence.

Those convicted of violating this ordinance are subject to a fine of up to $500, 1 to 90 days imprisonment or a combination of fine and confinement.

Police Chief Seth Daniels noted this ordinance will allow officers to take lawful action regarding disorderly conduct without the need for a citizen-filed complaint.

Council members also voted to increase the price of setting a new water meter, noting the current fee doesn’t cover the cost of parts.

A three-quarter-inch meter will cost $1,000, a one-inch meter will cost $1,400 and a two-inch meter will cost $5,500.

Departmental Reports

Fire Chief Shelby Turner told the council that the storm siren batteries are due for a change. The council approved Turner’s purchase and installation of new batteries.

Mayor John Sellers told Police Chief Seth Daniels the city cannot support the purchase of a new patrol vehicle until a budget review at the next meeting.

Alderman David Roark asked Daniels if he had looked into municipal leasing programs through the state. He said the vehicles are brand-new, under warranty and fully equipped with cages and light bars. Payments are due annually and the vehicle can be exchanged after a few years of use.

Alderman Don Hines suggested parking the troubled vehicle to be used as a backup for the time being.

Daniels will research options before the next meeting.

Mayor Sellers noted water loss is at 45 percent; this is about half of the amount being lost when Public Works Director Ben Shoemaker took over.

“That’s the lowest I’ve seen it in years,” said Alderman Gene Cantrell.

Shoemaker said citizens have been asking for a place to dispose of brush. He suggested opening the wastewater treatment plant one Saturday a month to allow residents to dump brush.

The council voted to approve the action. Residents will need to make arrangements with City Hall seven days before the date and bring proof of residency.

Shoemaker also relayed a request from a church on Jefferson Street. Officials plan to demolish a house on property adjacent to the church and use the area for a playground. They asked that the city install a crosswalk to safely transport children to and from.

The council voted to install a crosswalk, speed bump and necessary signage.

In other business, the council:

Sponsored the purchase of a movie for Movies in the Park, at a cost of $300;

Heard from Tonya Garbin, president of Mac-Rec Soccer, regarding the group’s upcoming season and future goals;

Spoke with Daniel Dillard regarding an unsightly property on Second Street;

Paid off the remaining sum on the city’s Arvest line of credit in the amount of $2,025.38;

Renewed the city’s Arvest line of credit;

Utilized the line of credit to pay Hutchens Construction $66,171.25 for paving work in town;

Approved an internal loan of $20,000 from Operations and Maintenance to General Fund; and

Transferred $2,500 from General Fund to Summer Recreation.