This week the Fire Department responded to eighteen (18) calls for service. Thirteen (13) calls were in the City, and five (5) were in the county. There were nine (9) EMS calls, two (2) motor vehicle accidents, one (1) fire alarm call, three (3) grass fires and one (1) public assist call. Two (2) calls were dispatched and canceled in route.
The Police Department swore in the newest officer, Officer James Henry on Monday. Chief Penny has also offered another individual a conditional offer.
The Animal Shelter continues to remain full, with fourteen (14) dogs and two (2) puppies. Construction started on the Dog Park at the shelter, and the Friends of the Animal Shelter continue to raise funds and make plans for the addition of a Cat Habitat that will located next to the shelter.
The Animal Control Officer was also notified of a positive rabies case in the county. The infected animal was a cow, however two individuals were exposed prior to the case being identified as positive. We remind everyone to ensure that they update rabies shots for all their pets.
Parks and Recreation assisted Animal Control by digging a ditch so we could lay a water line to the Dog Park. They also mowed grass around the lake and the airport. They are also demolishing the old concrete picnic tables around the lake to install new tables.
The Fire Marshall continued to inspect businesses around town. The number one issue he typically finds during inspections deals with fire extinguishers. As a reminder, all fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by a certified inspection company. The Building Inspector also completed six (6) inspections.
The Street Department paved Jewell Street, and continued to prepare North 5th for paving.
Distribution and Collection responded to forty-nine (49) calls for service. In addition they worked at the Water Treatment Plant to begin replacing a main water line from the filters to the clear well.
Our Employee Spotlight of the Week is Michael Booher. Michael is our Animal Control Officer and has done an excellent job of maintaining a full animal shelter. He works closely with the Friends of the Shelter to implement the many projects they recommend, to include the Dog Park and the Cat Habitat. In addition to Animal Control, Michael is also a volunteer fireman and responds to large number of calls with the Fire Department.
Our next City Council meeting is September 8th at 5:30.
Respectfully,
Mike S.
MICHAEL R. SMITH, Lt Col, USAF (ret)
City Manager