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City water issues discussed at Bronaugh Board of Aldermen meeting Monday
President Nancy Pitts called the Bronaugh Board of Aldermen meeting to order on Monday evening, June 5. The board turned the floor over to the city residents who had concerns. The first resident to speak on several issues was Doris Ann Ricketts. Her first concern was about the quality of the city's water. She brought in a sample of particles in a sandwich bag that her neighbors' faucets and showers were producing, even after the water had gone through the filter systems. City Water Operator Derrick Brown and the other council members explained that the particles were most likely a buildup from sulfur. Ricketts asked how they could resolve the matter because there were individuals in the city who couldn't even drink the water or take showers due to the water issues. Brown assured her that he would work on fixing the issue and took the sample she brought in to try to figure out what was collecting in some of the residents' faucets.
Ricketts went on to ask about other concerns she had, such as mowing and trash ordinances. The council apologized and acknowledged those issues as well. Alderman Sherry Brown stated that the city had been lacking in leadership since Brad Cliffman had not been acting as mayor for several months, and some things had fallen through the cracks. Sherry Brown assured her that the city had sent out letters to residents who had not been mowing their yards, including the yard to the completely vacant Senior Citizen Housing Units. Brown stated that there hadn't really been any ordinances, but they were going to work on implementing some. Ricketts stated that she had considered contacting an attorney like Bill McCaffree and asked the city if they had an attorney. The council advised that it used to be Ron Fisk, but they could no longer use him. Ricketts asked if she could pay for Bill McCaffree or another attorney to come to the next meeting and provide their services if the council didn't mind. The council said they didn't mind.
The council then turned the meeting over to Water Operator Derrick Brown. He reported that the aerator had been fixed. Brown stated that with the samples from city resident Ricketts, he would compare them to other samples he planned to gather in order to determine the source of the issue. The board approved his report.
Pitts read Mayor Brad Cliffman's official resignation letter. The board approved it. Pitts asked if anyone knew of anyone who might like to fill the Mayor's position, but no one spoke up. She informed the council that she would be the "acting" mayor for one more month, but if they hadn't found someone to assume the role, she would submit her letter of resignation as President as of July 31. The board approved Cliffman's resignation and Pitts' advice.
Loudermilk stated that the only bill she was waiting to pay was to Thane Ricketts for the two large loads of gravel, but once she received the bill, she would pay it. The board approved. She also stated that their liability insurance had increased from $6,386 last year to $7,016 this year. The board approved her to pay the insurance.
The council discussed the mowing ordinances that needed to be implemented for residents such as the Millions, Hale, and Bailey families who did not mow their yards. The council agreed that the grass could not be taller than eight inches, and residents must mow their yards at least twice in May and three times in June, July, and August, depending on the weather. The board approved. They also approved having Matt Layher come and brush hog at the Senior Housing Units/Apartments and paying him for his services.
Sherry Brown stated that the Community Club had asked for the City’s permission to hold a fundraiser at the City Park on July 8. She mentioned that it would include car washing, Bingo, and other projects, along with a Beer Garden. The money raised from the fundraiser would go towards building a new stage in the Park. Brown said the Club was requesting a one-day liquor license from the City for the event. The board approved the Community Club’s request for a one-day liquor license. The board then approved to adjourn the meeting, with the next one scheduled for July 10.