| SF to head off possible flooding |
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Posted: Friday, August 21, 2009 10:32 pm
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By CHRIS MENEES
Messenger Staff Reporter
The South Fulton City Commission has taken the first step in an attempt to alleviate the potential for flooding from Harris Fork Creek.
It has authorized the city’s joining the West Tennessee River Basin Authority.
South Fulton city manager Jeff Vowell reminded the commission at its session Thursday evening that there had been previous discussion about the creek’s condition and attempts to alleviate flooding potential. He sent letters to state Rep. Judy Barker and U.S. Congressman John Tanner, whom he said were instrumental in representatives from the West Tennessee River Basin Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ visiting the city.
He added that Obion County Commissioner Ralph Puckett was also extremely helpful and was a sort of liaison on the city’s behalf.
Vowell said he learned about what the city can do in an effort to alleviate flooding, including possibly removing some foliage and possibly having a study done. He said some funding would be needed, however, and there is the possibility of some grants being available — with it being to the city’s advantage to join the West Tennessee River Basin Authority.
He said the authority members pay dues and can assist with managing the creek and conducting studies. He said Obion County is a member of the authority — for which Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire serves as a board member — and he recommended South Fulton also become a member.
“The first step is to join,” Vowell said, adding that the authority has equipment and expertise to help clear the creek.
South Fulton Mayor David Crocker asked if joining the authority would give the city some guidance in regard to grants and Vowell said it would. Vowell said the first thing the Corps of Engineers recommended was joining the authority.
“It’s just a good deal all the way around,” Vowell said, adding he believes it makes sense to join the group.
The commission voted 3-0 to authorize the city’s becoming a member of the West Tennessee River Basin Authority on the condition the membership fee not exceed $5,000. Crocker and commissioners Tony Perry and Thomas Pettigrew approved the action; Vice Mayor Keith Curlin and commissioner Charles Moody were absent from the meeting.
In other action during Thursday evening’s meeting, which was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and with prayer led by Perry, the South Fulton City Commission:
• Voted to appoint Ward Bushart to fill a vacancy on the city’s Industrial Board.
• Listened as Crocker expressed appreciation to the city’s police officers and officers from other local law enforcement agencies who assisted when the South Fulton Police Department was recently low on manpower due to health problems. He said in addition to the city’s police officers working some long hours to take up the slack, the Obion County Sheriff’s Department helped out considerably and the neighboring Fulton Police Department provided backup.
• Learned from Vowell that some security upgrades will be made at the municipal building in the month ahead.
He added that he is still waiting on Federal Emergency Management Agency funds in regard to roof repairs.
• Was informed Broadway will be blocked off beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 18 for a parade being staged as part of the Twin Cities’ annual community festival.
Staff Reporter Chris Menees may be contacted by e-mail at cmenees@ucmessenger.com.
Published in The Messenger 8.21.09 |
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