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Anna Citry Council discusses revisions to ordinances

BY ERIC NAING, For the Southern

Sunday, May 11, 2008 10:57 PM CDT

ANNA - The Anna City Council has been urged to simplify the process that the city goes through to remove trash and tall grass from Anna yards.

One city ordinance mandates a five-step process for removal of grass over eight inches. A separate ordinance mandates a four-step process for trash removal.

Since violators of the grass ordinance are often also violators of the trash ordinance, the city often must follow two separate processes with differing paperwork and timelines to achieve one goal.

"When we attack the grass, we have to follow a different track and timeline for the trash," City Administrator Steve Guined said at Tuesday's council meeting. "It's a lengthy and cumbersome process to get a yard clean under our ordinances."

Guined suggested that the council explore the option of combining the two ordinances to streamline the process.

Next, Commissioner Cindy Swope asked the council if she could be a part of the hiring and management process for the pool at Anna City Park. The rest of the council was hesitant to give her the authority. Mayor Dave Tellor said Swope's request could create confusion for the pool employees.

"We need to be careful not to get involved in the management," Tellor said.

Swope also suggested the city offer group swimming lessons and breaks for the pool lifeguards. In response, Guined said that the city switched from offering group lessons to private lessons because of complaints, but he agreed that offering breaks to the pool lifeguards was a good idea.

Guined also suggested that the council seriously consider a major renovation or replacement of the city pool.

Finally, Tellor and Commissioner Steve Hartline both reported receiving complaints about the council's decision to end the city's bulk water sales. Despite this, the council expressed reservations about paying around $30,000 to keep the service going.

"The whole city shouldn't have to pay for something a few people want," Commissioner Ron Stamp said.

At the meeting, the council also:

l Approved a resolution establishing a two-year management contract for Anna Police Department Sgt. Al Camp. The council also passed a separate resolution which approved the Anna Police Department's K-9 Unit policy.

l Approved a resolution that authorized the city to take care of maintenance issues for the cemetery, Main Street and city blacktops at an expense of around $180,000.

l Accepted the resignation of gas/water foreman Brian Pender. Pender will continue to work as a laborer for the Gas/Water Department until he retires. The city is now looking for a new foreman.

l Granted a special zoning permit to the First Baptist Church.

l Authorized a bid advertisement for a new truck for the Gas/Water Department and authorized a state bid purchase for a new car for the Police Department.