Mayor's weekly blog
Weekly Letter Monday, May 5, 2008 - Friday, May 9, 2008
Greetings from the Mayor's office. I hope you and your family
have had a good week, and that you will have a great weekend
even thought the weather looks like some rain. The weather
really doesn’t matter as long as you are with your loved ones. A
rainy weekend is also a good time to go to our local libraries
and get a good book to curl up with. I read a good police murder
mystery this week and enjoyed it.
Remember, this weekend is Mother’s Day, so be sure to be good to
your Mama, or be sure to remember how good she was to you, and
how much she loved you, your brother, and sister while she was
with you. Someone sent me what they called, “mommyisms”. Read
these and see if you remember hearing any of them from your
Mama. God Bless our dear, sweet Mama’s.
"If everybody jumped off a bridge, I suppose you would too?",
"You'll put your eye out" (our first experience with gun
control), those admonitions to don clean undergarments in case
we had an unexpected encounter with paramedics, and yes, the
ever-popular rationale that “won” every childhood argument:
“Because I said so, that's why.”
“Wait till you father gets home”, “your face will freeze that
way,” and the ever-popular cautions about children in some
far-off land wishing they could have just a bit of what was on
your plate. These will bring back fond memories, I’m sure, such
as:
“You'll get nothing and like it!”
“Close that door; were you born in a barn?”
“I'll give you something to cry about!”
“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it.”
“After all these years it has to be ‘wherever you left it’ as
the response to the question where's my ?????”
"If it was a snake, it would've bit ya."
“He won't buy the cow if he can get the milk for free!”
"Who ever told you life was fair?”
"Two wrongs don't make a right."
“When you grow up I hope you have a child just like you!”
“What is it about the word ‘no’ that you don't understand?”
There were some new ones (to me, anyway):
“You'd complain if our ice cream was cold.”
“Don't look at me in that tone of voice!”
"You're not the only turtle in this tank."
Monday morning I began the week early at the office. I had to
get some things scheduled for a WebCast tomorrow morning at
9:00. There were several things I had to coordinate including
times, phone numbers, availability of internet connections, in
order to have the meeting ready for the employees that will be
viewing the program. These programs are neat in that you watch
it on the laptop, and you can correspond with the trainers on
the other end. This program is designed to establish an
electronic communications between citizens and the city, and it
gives you the ability to track whatever the requests happens to
be.
I had a visitor to come in early this morning to talk about
annexation of properties south of the city. He feels there are
some things that can be discussed between the property owners
and the city which may be beneficial to all parties. I will be
talking with other property owners soon.
I had several different correspondence matters that I had to
catch up on this morning. Each day brings many e-mails from
different people that have to receive attention. I am amazed at
the number of people I deal with that uses the e-mail to do
their business. It is an amazing tool because you do not have to
wait for the mail or telephone to make contacts.
Kay and I had a lite lunch at home today. She is always busy
with our house and the terrific amount of business it takes to
run it. She also has a good bit of contact with our Athens
grandkids after school because both their parents are at work
during that time every day.
I came back to the office and socialized during the lunch hour
with several employees who had worked as our City Relay for Life
Team. They raised more than $2500 of the $100,000 total that was
raised by the event. They all did a great deal of work and
stayed at the Sportsplex for several hours last Friday night. I
appreciate all of their hard work, and these ladies are always
involved in the good things that are going on in our city.
I drove to a neighborhood in District Three this afternoon with
a resident who is concerned about a few places which have grass
growing too tall, and three other areas where houses are being
built and have no dumpsters to hold the trash. I always enjoy
visiting with this guy because I have known him for several
years.
I had another citizen visit me in the office about a buffer
fence the city required a developer to erect several years ago,
that has fallen into disrepair and has not been attended to in a
timely manner. I had looked up the original paperwork and found
that the city did require the buffer, but the paperwork did not
require maintenance on the fence. The original owners sold the
development several years ago, and I am afraid the city will
have to maintain the fence. We will contact the present owners
to find out if they will participate in the repair.
I went to the Athens/Limestone Public Library this afternoon to
present certificates of appreciation to Margaret Schurlock and
Joanne Gamble for their eleven years of volunteer service to the
library. There were several Library Board members, Foundation
members, and family and friends present for the presentations.
David Seibert, County Commission Chairman, also gave them
certificates to acknowledge their volunteer services.
I did some exercise with my daughter, Whitney, after I got home
today. We walked about a mile around my neighborhood, crossed
over to her subdivision, Watercress, and came back home. It was
a good workout for me because I had to keep up with her. That
girl is a fast walker, and I was puffing within a quarter mile.
I guess you all have heard the news about Eight Belles, the
filly that had to be put down after placing second in the
Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Kay and I were watching the race on
TV and saw them administering to her after she fell. It was a
sad occasion for race fans and all those who love the beautiful
horses. I had picked Big Brown to win and should have bet a
million on him. However, my one experience with betting on the
nags taught me that I know very little about horse racing. Kay
and I do love to see them run because they are so beautiful.
There are many calling for an investigation into racing and
cruelty to the young horses, but I don't think that will fly
because of the money involved in the sport, and because the PETA
organization is the loudest voice wanting the investigation.
Most folks feel these people are too extreme when dealing with
the differences between animals and people.
Tuesday morning five of my employees and I watched the Webcast
about tracking citizens requests and complaints. This was a good
program and it explained the software and services offered by
the company. I am considering some type system, and we are
trying to find something that fits our needs and is not too
expensive.
I spent a great deal of time in the office this morning doing
correspondence, including returning e-mails and letters to
citizens who had contacted me.
I went alone to Ruby Tuesday's today for a salad bar lunch. Just
after I was seated, Sharon Seay, our Human Resource Director and
her employees, Janet Parris, and KaSandra Cosby were seated at
the next table. I had my lunch and very pleasant conversation
with them. I also saw two of our Public Works employees having
lunch with State DOT personnel and local engineer, Joe Pugh.
Several folks came to the office this afternoon including
Councilman Jimmy Gill, Phillip Presley, Coordinator of Soulstock,
Derrick Young, and Wilson Blair.
Kay, Vonnette Harper, and I carried dinner to Carolyn and Tom
Stair this evening. They live on Chadwick Street in the East
Limestone community. Carolyn had serious surgery last week, and
I was surprised that she looked so well, and says that she feels
pretty good. She is doing her exercises religiously and will
have to make a few trips back to the doctor in the near future
to have clamps removed. Carolyn and Tom are members of our
Sunday school class, and we hope everything will go well with
her during her recovery.
Kay and I went to the Sportsplex tonight to see Asa play ball.
His team held their own at 5-5 until the last inning, and lost
10-5. They made a lot of errors and the pitchers were struggling
tonight. There were hundreds of cars in the parking lots
tonight. We have an area for overflow parking, but we don't have
the signs that we need to guide people to the overflow area.
Wednesday morning Kay and I purchased six small Azaleas to plant
in our front yard to replace the bushes we lost to the drought
last summer.
I went to Boss Hill’s Annual Goat and Chicken Stew near Elkmont
at lunch today. There was the huge turnout as usual, and I saw
some people that I have not seen since the stew last year. The
Council on Aging Band was entertaining for the event, and Cooper
and Company were there filming the event for their show.
One interesting fellow I met was Leroy Moyers, a man who grew up
in Tanner, and in 1959 began a career as a Jockey. He rode until
1991, rode four thousand winners, and holds a record as riding
seven winners in a row. I am going to try to get him on the
Cooper show very soon. He is an interesting fellow.
Jimmy Gill, Police Chief Wayne Harper, City Clerk John Hamilton,
and Finance Director Evan Thornton went to the lunch with me. I
had one bowl of pure goat stew and one bowl of chicken stew.
Both were very delicious.
I saw my former boss, Betty Evans, from my days at the
Department of Human Resources. She was there with her daughter,
Susan. It is always good to see her, and I consider her to be
one of the best people I have ever met during my life.
This afternoon I was in the office for my regular work, and I
met with two property owners to talk about annexation of
property. I had met earlier with our city attorney to go over
some of the material related to this matter.
I later met with the Human Resource Director to talk about
recommendations to the Council regarding upgrades and changes in
one of our city departments.
I talked with Police Chief Wayne Harper this afternoon about
using part-time personnel to fill in for our new police officers
that are attending the Police Academy for the next twelve weeks.
We really need this part-time assistance while these officers
are becoming certified in police work. We will be using some of
our certified Reserve officers to fill the positions.
I went to Choir practice tonight and it was a good practice. We
had good attendance and we are attempting to memorize the words
to our Heaven music which we will use in an upcoming concert in
Decatur. I heard that Carolyn Stair had to be carried back to
the hospital last night after we had carried dinner to her and
Tom. My first thought was that we had poisoned her with our
dinner, but I found it was from things related to her surgery. I
heard that she is still doing OK.
I was watching TV tonight and saw the Nancy Grace show talking
about the human remains found at the Greenbriar exchange on
I-565 yesterday. I don't think they have said that leads have
been found in the case, or if they have determined if the death
was by natural causes or foul play. This will be an interesting
case to follow. The remains were found in Limestone County on
property annexed by Huntsville, so I thing the Huntsville Police
Department is leading in the investigation. Maybe they will be
able to identify the body soon. Maybe it will clear up a mystery
for some poor family somewhere, and give them peace about their
loved one.
Thursday morning I had meetings with several citizens who had
come to the office to discuss different items of business and
concerns. I met with our utility auditors this afternoon to
discuss several items of business.
We all watched the approaching storms and wondered if the
schools were going to be dismissed this afternoon. Kay and I
have to keep up with our grandchildren if their parents are at
work and can’t get off to tend to them.
Kay and I had dinner at home tonight. We went to visit with my
sister for a while after dinner. Joan and Jimmy are now living
in our Mama’s house, and we spent an enjoyable time in the
basement watching the biggest TV I have ever seen. Jimmy’s
brother Glen Stanford and Linda were there visiting. They are
preparing for their son Gordon’s graduation from Alabama with a
MBA very soon. They are going to have a party and cookout at
Joan’s house. I am glad to see this basement being used as it
was during the many years our Mama and Daddy were living in the
house.
Friday morning I ate breakfast at LuVici’s with Evan Thornton
and John McClain. We had a good breakfast and very enjoyable
conversation.
I spent some time this morning with our city attorney and our
City Clerk discussing items of business related to the city’s
liquor ordinance.
Kay is having lunch today with her friends at Zaxby’s. They did
not invite me to go with them. I will have to spend lunch
delivering the City Council information packs during my lunch
hour.
I did spend time on my lunch hour making arrangements to get
goodies for our Sunday school class for Mother’s Day. Harold
Wales and I were tasked with this and we plan to have plenty for
everyone.
The City Council will meet Monday night for a regular meeting,
and the following items of business will receive the Council’s
attention:
• Anna Bryan with Spirit of Athens (4:00 – 4:15)
5:30 P. M. REGULAR SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. INVOCATION – Jimmy Gill
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Williams
5. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: April 28, 2008
6. APPROVAL OF WORK SESSION MINUTES: April 28, 2008
7. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
8. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:
9. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
10. REPORT OF OFFICERS:
A. MAYOR
B. CITY ATTORNEY
C. COUNCIL MEMBERS:
(1) MR. CRUTCHER
(2) MR. WALES
(3) MR. GILL
(4) MR. MARKS
(5) DR. CAUDLE
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
PH.1. Luciano’s – Sale of Alcohol – 208 W. Market St. This is
the new restaurant which will occupy the building that formerly
housed Giovanni’s. They have one restaurant in Huntsville on
Airport Road that is a very successful, and we have enjoyed
eating there a couple of times.
11.A. Resolution to approve the sale of alcohol for Luciano’s
located at 208 W. Market Street.
PH.2. Continuation of January 14, 2008 Public Hearing
concerning property located at the south side of
Brownsferry Street near the corner of Hine Street.
12. READING OF PETITIONS, APPLICATIONS, COMPLAINTS,
APPEALS, ETC. This time is set aside for anyone to speak to the
Council about any subject. The person does not have to be on the
agenda, but must follow the time rules set by the Council.
13. RESOLUTIONS, ORDINANCES, ORDERS AND OTHER
BUSINESS:
REGULAR CALENDAR
A. Resolution to appropriate funds for a Spirit of Athens
Project Director. This is the committee that is working to
re-vitalize our downtown area.
B. Ordinance to approve Fire Hydrant Maintenance Fees.
C. Resolution to apply for a grant for the purpose of running
new public sewer to Cottonwood Subdivision. This is the
sub-division located north of Highway 72 East, on Bab Daly Road.
The septic systems are in bad condition and each house needs to
be on a public sewer.
D. Resolution to approve travel for the Electric Department.
E. Resolution to enter into an agreement for ground
maintenance for the Electric Department.
F. Resolution to enter into an agreement concerning
Limestone County Parks and Recreation and its Rails to Trails
Extensions.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Looking for something to do this weekend? Scroll down and you’ll
find plenty to do right here at home in Limestone County. It’s
Happening in Limestone County!
Don’t Forget: Athens High School Greenhouse is now open Monday –
Friday 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturdays 9 AM to 2:00 PM. The
greenhouse has started their Spring Plant Sale to include;
bedding plants, vegetables, hanging baskets and 1-gallon
tomatoes. For more information contact Jerry Davis at 233-6613.
1st Friday Night of Each Month at 6-8 PM - Athens Cruz Inn
(antique cars and trucks cruz the square), Downtown Athens, AL,
visitors welcome to come and see the beautiful vehicles,
256-603-1227 or 230-6048
This weekend
10-May - all day - Annual Postal Workers Can Food Drive -
Sponsored by the Alabama-Limestone Food and Shelter Program,
hang food on your mailbox, 256-230-6311
10-May at 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon – Department of Human Resources (DHR)
Yard Sale at their office on Market Street (across the street
from the Athens Post Office), no clothes or shoes, lots of items
and great prices, 256-216-6411
10-May - The Flashbacks classic showband dinner show at 6:30 PM
at Yesterdays Event Center. Reservations required through the
website, all show tickets $15, available dinner $7.95.
www.yesterdaysevents.com
10-May at 8:00 AM – UAW Antique Engine and Tractor Show at UAW
Local 2195 (located across the street from Calhoun College, FREE
admission, 256-566-2737
10-May at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM – The Red Caboose Writers Night
featuring Steve Jones, Joey & Rory and Jon Henderson at the Red
Caboose downtown Elkmont, AL. For reservations call
256-306-6201. Admission is $20.00 at the door. Doors open at
5:30 PM.
Events to look forward to:
14-May - Ardmore Police Memorial Ceremony & Lunch with Speaker
Judge Bobby Sands, Ardmore TN Annex, 256-423-2146
15-May at 7:00 PM - Limestone Sheriff Rodeo Street Dance,
Downtown, Athens, AL, http://limestonesheriffrodeo.com. Live
entertainment provided by Jeff Whitlow and the Old Barn Band.
This is fun for the entire family.
16-May at 10 AM – 3 PM – National Tourism Day Celebration at the
Ardmore Welcome Center. This event is to increase awareness of
the economic, social and cultural impact that tourism has on the
local, regional and statewide communities. Representatives from
the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Council will be working
there handing out information about Athens and Limestone County.
If any business has any “give away” items or coupons that you
would like for you to pass out for you, please drop them off at
the Chamber of Commerce Office by May 15th. For more information
call 256-232-5411
16-May at 6:30-8:30 PM - Singing on the Square returns to the
square featuring Rocket City Chorus and 'Lil Heart and Soul,
Downtown Athens, AL, 256-232-5411. Bring your lawn chair or
blanket to the square and enjoy the FREE entertainment. Come
early and have supper at one of the restaurants on the square,
www.tourathens.com
16-May at 8:30 AM – Kiwanis Club “Golf for Kids” 2-Man Scramble
Golf Tournament at Southern Gayle Golf Course, Bain Road, Just
Off AL Hwy 251, 256-233-3523 or 256-206-2091
16-May at 9 AM – 1 PM – FREE Skin Cancer Screening at the
Waddell Center Family Medicine, 902 West Washington Street,
Athens, 256-233-9290
16 May at 9 AM – 12 Noon – National Hospital Week Health Fair
Around the Square. Health stations located at the North and
South sides of the Athens Square. Free screenings: Blood Sugar,
Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Body Fat Analysis & Nutritional
Counseling, 256-233-9122
16-17 May at 8:00 PM - Limestone Sheriff Rodeo at the Sheriff's
Rodeo Arena, Hwy 99, Athens, AL, http://www.limestonesheriffrodeo.com/.
You don’t want to miss "the largest outdoor rodeo east of the
Mississippi." Over $50,000 in prize money and PCA “Best Rodeo of
the Year” will be awarded.
17-May at 7:30 AM - Three Person Scramble Golf Tournament hosted
by Limestone County Churches Involved, Sponsored by Lindsay Lane
United Appear Fund, Inc, at Southern Gayles Golf Course,
Limestone County, AL, 256-230-9770 or 256-232-0020
31-May at 10 AM- 2 PM - Strolling garden tour in historic
downtown Athens, Hosted by Friends of the Athens Limestone
Public Library, 256-732-4641
31-May - Yesterdays Showband dinner variety show featuring 3 of
the regions premiere vocalists, Kevin Adams, Roberta Silva, and
Alabama Music Hall of Fame member Travis Wammack at Yesterdays
Event Center at 6:30PM. Reservations are required through the
website, all show tickets $10, available dinner $7.95,
www.yesterdaysevents.com
31-May at 7:00 PM – Country Music Variety Show at the Athens
Opry featuring The Pioneer Drive Band and special guest Kristy
Garrison. For a complete list of all the entertainers email
George at gwh228@aol.com. Athens Opry Event Center is located on
Airport Road, Athens. $5.00 admission at the door.
31-May - Tickets for the inaugural Athens-Limestone Friends of
the Library Garden Tour are now on sale. Join us for the day
visiting beautiful Athens gardens on Saturday, May 31st. Tickets
are $15 each and are available at the Athens-Limestone Public
Library. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library and their
support for the quality library services. For more information
telephone the library at 232-1233.
I guess this is enough for this time. Remember Mother’s Day this
weekend. Take care and I’ll see you next time.
Mayor Dan
All of the local
'Events & Activities'
can be found on AthensPlus.com,
with contact information and full details.
www.athensplus.com/tourismhighlight_may.htm
