Aldermen discuss rules for roadblocks

Civic organizations, school clubs and sports teams will continue to have opportunities to raise money by conducting road blocks in Woodbury; however, the number of chances will be limited.

The Woodbury Mayor and Board of Aldermen tabled a motion to revise road block rules and ordinances until the October meeting during their regular monthly meeting Tuesday (Sept. 4). Guidelines and rules will be addressed at the October meeting but the committee report on road blocks Tuesday revealed some of the changes.

If passed, no organization will be allowed to conduct more than one road block during a calendar year and there would be no more than two allowed per month with none permitted in consecutive weekends.

"You can do it however you want but it needs to be fair for everyone," City Attorney Dale Peterson said. "These (organizations) make a lot of money at these road blocks."

A committee of Aldermen Charlie Harrell, Jo Anne Davis and Dottie Duggin was formed to consider parameters for road blocks during the July meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. The committee was mixed on various concerns but the one overwhelming agreement was to limit the number of road blocks to two per month, meaning there would be a limit of 24 per year.

Upon discussion, the board agreed to grandfather in organizations such as the Lions Club (White Cane) and Woodbury Firefighters (MDA) on the weekend they annually hold their road blocks and said those two dates would not be included in the 24.

Duggin preferred that only non-profit organizations be granted road blocks; however, Davis argued that would rule out school clubs and sports teams that rely heavily on money earned through road blocks.

"I wanted non-profit only but we didn't agree on that because it would eliminate sports teams," Duggin said. "I just don't like to see kids on the streets with pales begging on the Square every weekend, just begging for money. There has to be a way to make money and they need to be taught how to make money and not beg for money."

Harrel and Davis Strongly opposed shutting out non-profit organizations, specifically school-related clubs and sports teams.

"The children of our town make money for their teams this way and I think it is wonderful," Davis said. "I will even stand on the street and help them if they need me to do that for them."

Harrell proposed the rules governing road blocks remain the same as in past years but said amendments to the number of frequency needed to be considered.

"I believe we leave it like it is as far as rules and regulations," said Harrell, who made the motion to accept the committee's recommendation. "We are not changing the rules. We just want to limit the number."

After a series of questions and discussions the motion was tabled until the October meeting when Peterson would present written rules to the Board based on Tuesday's discussion and previous rules.

In other business, the Board considered the demolition of property at 209 Hayes Street. Mike Hutchins and Gary Stone presented bids for the work. Hutchins' written bid was for $9,500 and Stone's verbal bid was for $2,500. Peterson pointed out the board could only receive written bids.

Patrick pointed out the verbal bid came at the last minute and had not yet been put into writing. Each bid included tearing down the house, cleaning the lot and hauling off all materials and debris.

Stone received the bid on the condition he have a written bid submitted to City Hall by Sept. 11. Otherwise, the bid would be awarded to Hutchins.

Knox voiced concern that neither Hutchins or Stone were certified in asbestos removal; however, Peterson and Patrick said the Town of Woodbury would be harmless based on a clause either would have to sign before doing the work.

Patrick formed a three- person committee of Harrell, Davis and Lois Larimer to work with Fire Chief Bill Johnston regarding the potential of expanding a current bay at the fire station.

Patrick said a new fire truck recently purchased by the Town of Woodbury would not fit in the current bay and has to remain outside. The fire truck currently in the bay will be removed and he said the two options were to either leave the new fire truck outside in the weather or expand the bay to make room for it inside the fire station.

The    committee    will provide its report at the October meeting.

The Board unanimously approved Ordinance No. 447 to amend the Town of Woodbury Zoning Ordinance to allow minimum residential parking regulations. The Board also granted approval for a 5K run on Sept. 15 for the Cannon County Youth Dream Association.

Caleb Peck addressed the Board requesting to put up a volleyball net for use at Woodbury City Park. The Board did not allow the request for Woodbury City Park; however, Knox suggested the net be placed at Dillon Park where there would be more room and away from a major road. The Board unanimously agreed to allow Peck to install the volleyball net.

The Board also moved the November meeting from Nov. 6 to Nov. 13.