City of Sharon moving in a positive direction

Officer Jeffrey Weaver applied for donated equipment and received a new breathalyzer along with disposable replacement mouthpieces, four drug kits and a thermal camera at no cost to the Sharon Police Department.

Story by Press Reporter Macenna True

Police Chief Mark Kimsey provided the board with recommendations for changes to city ordinances at last month’s Sharon city board meeting.

He also said if the board were to approve changes, citizens in violation of the new ordinances would be given a warning before a citation to allow for fair treatment. During the October meeting, the board voted to approve the ordinance updates as written, as well as a design for a ticket booklet proposed by Kimsey that his officers would be able to use to identify and cite violations when on duty. Once the ordinances have been updated, citizens may request a copy of or review them at City Hall.

Pearl Jones, supported by other members of the town, spoke during citizens’ input about a cattle farm that will be located near her property. She inquired about the ordinances regarding livestock within city limits and brought with her a signed “petition from others in Sharon that do not want a cattle farm there” saying the smell could deter new businesses and potentially inhibit others from moving to the town. She also expressed concerns that her property line ran adjacent with it and she had concerns about cattle being so close to her home. Alderman Stewart Broussard said he had spoken with the property assessor’s office about it to try to have answers for Jones during the meeting and had been told only part of that property is within city limits.

“She (the employee he spoke with) looked at a couple different maps and what I was told is the only place that is in the city limits is what’s here on Old Highway 45, 400 feet from the center of the road.” Regarding the back pasture, where the landowner claims he will be keeping the cattle, Broussard said the area is not within city limits. Therefore, the board “cannot do anything about that as it is out of our jurisdiction.” He was also told by the assessor’s office that the city limits of the town were going to be more clearly mapped out soon. He said if the landowner were found to be in violation of any city ordinances, the board would deal with those violations then. He said, “I’m sympathetic, Ms. Jones, but if it’s not in city limits we cannot address it. We don’t have any ground to stand on.” He did say he would extend an invitation to the landowner for the next board meeting so citizens may speak with him directly.

City recorder Becky Hames began the department head reports with positive news. She said the city has begun collecting property taxes, which “is going well and water collections have increased.” The parks and recreations department reported a great fundraiser selling hamburgers and hotdogs during the citywide yard sale, collecting over $1,300 with a $1,000 matching funds donation from Modern Woodmen Insurance as well. Fall ball is in full swing and going well. The fire department reminded everyone of the burn ban that remains in effect until there is sufficient rainfall.

Kimsey said burn ban violators will receive an immediate citation. He also reported his department had 90 calls for service in September. He gave appreciation to Officer Jeffrey Weaver for winning the department new uniforms last month and stated that Weaver applied for donated equipment through the United States Deputy Association. Kimsey reported the police department was awarded and had received a new breathalyzer along with disposable replacement mouthpieces, four drug kits, and a thermal imaging camera at no cost to them.

Also, Kimsey was pleased to report, “Police officer Harris applied for a grant and was awarded $5,300 for speed safety traffic control in the school zones.” He provided the board with options of how this money could be used for their review.

With that said, Kimsey said 18-wheeler traffic has become a safety hazard for the children during dropoff and pickup hours. He provided the board with a few suggestions to consider to help the situation with minimal interference for normal traffic.

One suggested new signage for speed and rerouting of commercial vehicles during drop off and pick up times. He said he did not want farmers or anyone to think he wanted to interfere with their work but his first priority in this situation is the safety of the children. The proposed closing of the area to through trucks and tractors would only be for about two hours per day Monday through Friday when school was in session. The board voted to further review the suggestions but to allow Kimsey to purchase new signs for that area.