911 Center Needs New Phones
The Jasper County Commissioners heard from 911 Director Betty Jump about the need for a new 911 phone system when they met for their regular meeting Monday.
Ms. Jump explained that the phone system has not been upgraded since 2008, and they are having to use used and refurbished parts if repairs are needed as new parts are not being made. She said they have been having “severe problems” since June. She, along with members of the 911 Authority are researching options for a phone system, with an eye on the radios, because there are still places in the county that the Emergency Services personnel’s radios do not work. When a deputy is responding to a call, and the 911 center can’t reach him or her, they become concerned.
Ms. Jump expressed her deep concern, but told the commission the system is working now.
Commission Chair Carl Pennamon assured her that the county would be willing to act on a new purchase. First, he recommended they get a consultant, but then, he just said come back with a recommendation, and if the commission has to have a called meeting, so be it.
This action came after the commission had approved a first reading of a Nuisance Party Location ordinance. Planning and Zoning Director Shane Sealy said that the ordinance was written by the sheriff’s office, and reviewed by the Magistrate Judge, County Attorney and Solicitor. He said the sheriff’s office felt like it would be in a better position to shut down a gathering if this ordinance was in place. Currently, they must go by the county’s noise ordinance which leaves some discretion as to the decibel level of the noise.
Commissioners discussed the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) money they get from the state, and after some discussion agreed that next year’s project would be to hopefully finish Post Road.
Commissioners Don Jernigan and Gerald Stunkel, both of whom live in Turtle Cove, wanted the county to consider doing Eagle Drive next. Commissioners explained the process they had been using in recent years…going between Post Road and Goolsby Road. Goolsby Road was finished this year, and Post only has a little over four miles left to be complete.
Commissioner Doug Luke expressed to those present that it costs about $275,000 to pave a mile of road, which is why road project are few and far between. He talked about plans in the not too distant future to possibly do more road work. He said we have built up the fund balance where it needs to be, and that the commission has battled to keep taxes low, and the next thing is to move forward with more road work.
In other action,
•Commissioners approved a contract with Coca-Cola which will provide new scoreboards for the recreation department.
•Approved an alcohol license for Hwy. 16 Food Mart (formerly Sac-O-Suds), and said the permit is for beer only, not beer and wine, like usual.
•Approved several budget amendments for the senior center.
•Approved an intergovernmental agreement for the county to work with the city on its election.
During citizen comments, Chris Blakeley talked to the commissioners about concerns he has particularly at the Peninsula at Jackson Lake, but also in his neighborhood and elsewhere. Contractors are not being made to install silt fences and maintain them, he said, and as a result, the lake is filling with dirt. He complained the Mr. Sealy is not enforcing state guidelines, and was very concerned. He said they have to do something.
