City council honors Haley, approves trash can ordinance

Brian Haley was recognized by the Piggott City Council at their meeting Monday night for nearly 21 years of service. Haley, who has taken a job with the city of Malden, was presented a commemorative electric meter lamp in recognition for his service. On hand for the presentation were, from left alderman Tommy Risinger, alderman Jim Poole, mayor Gerald Morris, Haley, alderman Carl Birmingham and alderman Lester Edwards, Jr.
(Times photo/Tim Blair)

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The garbage can ordinance, which was on the agenda for its third reading, was approved unanimously. The measure requires residents to remove their trash containers from the curb area within 12 hours of the time of pickup in their neighborhood. The fine for violating the ordinance was set at no less than $50 and no more than $200.

Aldermen also heard from Tim Blair, president of the Piggott Area Chamber of Commerce, on the matter of funding for the organization.

"I'm here representing the chamber in an effort to try to secure more funding for staffing the chamber office," Blair told the council. "The office and visitor center is an important asset for the city and already plays an important role in promoting the city. I think we can do even more."

Blair noted the chamber office also could serve as a contact location for the Piggott Economic Development Commission. Aldermen encouraged him to discuss the matter with the EDC.

"In my mind the best plan would be to staff the chamber office full-time with someone who could field calls from both prospective visitors and interested businesses," he said.

The aldermen instructed Blair and the chamber board to discuss the matter with members of the EDC and report back at the council's August meeting.

The council also heard that longtime employees Brian Haley and Kurt Williamson are leaving the city staff. Williamson, a member of the Piggott Police Department, is moving to Tennessee, where his wife has taken a new job. According to Morris, he also is planning a change of profession and will go to school to become a nurse.

Haley, the city's administrative assistant, will work his final day Thursday and, on Friday, will assume the position of assistant utility director for the board of public works in Malden. The new job also will reunite Haley with his former boss, Ted Bellers, who serves as Malden utility director.

"We're losing a very good man, but I can't say that I blame him," Morris said of the resignation. "I really hate to see him go."

Haley first started with the city scheduling power for the electric department, and in early 1989 became one of the power plant operators. He later moved to the MLWS operations building to manage the fuel depot effort and in 1996 transferred to the water department. In 2000 he assumed his current position and also served as the city's planning and zoning enforcement officer.

"It's been a joy, a privilege and an honor to have served the city for nearly 21 years," Haley said. "What I'll remember the most is the people. I've worked with some really great people here and that's what I'm going to remember and miss the most."

Morris and the council also recognized Haley for his contributions to the city by presenting to him a commemorative electric meter lamp to mark the occasion.

At the request of distribution supervisor Bruce Swan, council members approved a new city policy that allows electric crew members to inspect meter bases prior to hooking up service to residences and businesses.

"Contrary to popular belief, we don't want an electrical inspector," Swan told the council. "But we would like the authority to refuse to hook up a meter if we know that it is not to code or dangerous."

Swan assured the aldermen the crews will be concerned only with the meter bases and will not do any other type of inspections. The measure was passed by a unanimous vote.

In other business the council:

* accepted the resignations of Mike Eason and Sean Martin from the planning and zoning commission and named Jim Parks and Tim Boyd to fill their unexpired terms.

* heard an update from Haley on the Plum Point Power Plant project and several agreements on transmission of electricity. He noted that test energy should be available by January and the new power plant is expected to be online by next June or July.

* discussed the payment of overtime for supervisors, but tabled the matter until the August meeting.

* reviewed policy for charges levied for cable and telephone companies to utilize the city's power poles and instructed Morris to look into possible increases to bring Piggott in line with other regional cities.

Council members then voted to go into executive session to discuss personnel matters. A short time later aldermen reconvened and voted to table the matter. They then adjourned without taking any further action.