The Sept. 3 Kilmichael Board of Alderman meeting was called to order by Acting Vice Mayor Earnest Curtis Jr. in the absence of Mayor Mark Lawson as well as Alderman Bernard Daniels. To begin the meeting, the Board had an open Public Hearing session regarding the Budget. After answering attendee’s questions about sewage, water, and garbage costs among other things, the Board agreed to adopt the tax levy for the 2024/25 fiscal year on a motion made by Ward 3 Alderwoman Wilma Carodine and seconded by Ward 4 Alderman Clay Eldridge with all present in favor.
The most pressing and most discussed issue of the night came following the report of Fire Chief David (Dave) Eldridge III. Chief Eldridge reported that the Kilmichael Volunteer Fire Department had been handling back to back fires in the past week, counting nine grass fires in total with a few suspected as intentionally set fires. Residents of Kilmichael are reminded that the Montgomery County area is still under a burn ban which is expected to be continued until September 30, or until sufficient rainfall is recorded. Officials will notify the public when the burn ban is lifted.
Following this initial report, Fire Chief Eldridge requested two items for Fire Department use which were taken under consideration by the Board. The first item to be requested was to replace a garage door on the water department to create a secure storage area for a Fire Department vehicle. He presented the Board with two quotes for local contractors. The first quote for a door and installation alone was from Grenada Overhead Door in the amount of $2,464. Prior to this, the door would need reframing which would be completed by a separate contractor for $1,700. The total first quote, which included both of these contractors, was set at $4,164. The second quote from S&K Door and Specialty which would include reframing, installation, and the door itself all under one contractor, was set at $4,285.
The request for the door prompted a lengthy discussion regarding the space provided in the Public Works building and a conversation concerning moving the Public Works Department and allowing the Fire Department to utilize the current building.
“I’m actually thinking that we’re gonna have to move them,” acting Vice Mayor Curtis Jr. noted on the subject of the already cramped building.
“We need to get him [Public Works Director Josh Pearson] moved before we start discussing a door. Then you can have the whole building,” Ward 4 Alderman Clay Eldridge stated.
All present seemed to be in agreement on moving the Public Works Department to a different location to prevent interference between their work and the Fire Department's work to ensure safe working conditions and easy mobility. The main concern of the Board was the method and means of how to move the Public Works Dept. Vice Mayor Curtis Jr. also made the statement that it would be more beneficial for the departments to have separate work environments to prevent unnecessary obstacles to a speedy response for the Fire Department. Ultimately, the only action taken on the issue was for the Board to form a committee of two Aldermen to further discuss and investigate the issue. On a motion by Ward 5 Alderman Matt Bennett and a second by Alderman Clay Eldridge with all present in favor, Alderman Bennet and Alderman Curtis Jr. would take on the responsibility of coming back to the Board with a suggestion on the matter.
The next item to be requested by Fire Chief Eldridge was more for the benefit of the city than the fire department. Chief Eldridge requested the city invest in a modern tornado siren.
“It’s long-term. It’s needed. I don’t care what anybody says, but it’s long-term and we can’t wait on a grant,” Chief Eldridge stated on the matter.
Eldridge estimated that the siren would cost the city roughly $40,000, but assured it was an investment well worthwhile, especially for disaster preparedness. Upon being questioned on where about the siren would be placed, Chief Eldridge suggested requesting a right-of-way easement on the sidewalk in front of Bank of Kilmichael or possibly having it put behind the City Hall building. Eldridge also suggested that the siren be paid for out of ARPA funds. No action was taken on the subject.
