Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Departments in budget

With the exception of animal control, all city departments are within budget at this time.

This was learned at Gurdon's City Council meeting Monday, May 20.

The meeting started with the approval of last month's meeting minutes. The council then proceeded with looking over the Treasurer's report and the Water and City reports.

Mayor Clayton Franklin told the council that at this time everyone was in budget except the Animal Control Department. Franklin said this was due to all the construction to the new facilities and was to be expected. The Treasurer's report and Water and City were then approved.

The Water and Sewer had interviewed six people for the position left vacant by Ben Williams when he was promoted. Williams reported the committee hiring Kenny Freeman if the council so approved. Williams said the committee felt Freeman was well suited for the job due to his experience. The council so approved.

Franklin asked Williams if the department had been receiving any calls from the community about water problems. Williams reported a few requests for the water department to come and flush out the lines in certain areas.

Betty Torgerson asked to address Williams. Torgerson said, "There is quit a mess in my front yard from the water department working on lines. Are you going to fix it without me having to call and ask you to?"

"Yes ma'am," said Williams. "It had been raining and the ground was wet. It was just a few days ago and we plan on fixing it as soon as possible," said Williams.

City Marshal Don Childers reported several complaints coming from residents living near the Therapeutic Family Services located at the old nursing home. Childers said they have documented several burglaries, car thefts and loitering being committed by the residents of the facility.

Franklin asked what kind of facility the Therapeutic Family Services was. No one could answer him and Franklin suggested having Mike McKenzie or someone representing the center to come and address the council at the next meeting to see what may be done to help the situation.

Fire Chief Jake McBride told the council the fire department had been opening up and testing the city's fire hydrants.

McBride also said he had three owners contact him about burning some abandoned homes for them. McBride said he is planning to do so soon; however one of the houses may not be able to be burned due to the asbestos siding on the residence.

The Gurdon Volunteer Fire Department will practice on abandoned homes as long as the owner shows proof of property and gives the department permission. Anyone interested in having the department take care of their abandoned property can contact Jake McBride.

Street Department Manager, Jim Caldwell, was reported a successful curb side pick-up. "We hauled off 127 tons of junk from within the city limits of Gurdon," said Caldwell.

Caldwell also mentioned the county had helped the city by hauling some of the junk to the landfill for them.

"Teet" Newton with the Cemetery Commission wanted to know if he could go and get a backhoe that belonged to the city, from the high school.

Franklin asked Newton what he needed it for.

Newton said, "I was going to use it to clean up at the cemetery and fill in a few graves."

Franklin told Newton, "If it's the city's backhoe, then go and get it."

Franklin asked Carroll Martin if the Gurdon City Park was in any better condition.

Martin said, "No, not really. It needs some fixing up in the restrooms."

Franklin said the city had decided to move the house trailer located at the park and just keep the park patrolled as much as possible. He asked if Caldwell and Martin would work together to keep the park in good working order. Both men agreed.

Martin is also the Animal Control Officer for Gurdon. He reported a slow month due to the lack of room in the new pound.

"The pound is full," said Martin. "I picked up 21 dogs this month with five of them being adopted and one being picked up by the owner."

Franklin asked if the incinerator had been put together yet and when it would be ready for use.

Martin said he needed some help from Caldwell and a few of his men in order to get it together, but it should only take a half-a-day to do so.

Franklin said, "In other words by the next council meeting you should be using the incinerator."

Martin said, "Oh, yes sir."