Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Water revenues are up

"It's been a good year for the Gurdon Water Department," said Gurdon Mayor Clayton Franklin at the July 15 meeting of the Gurdon City Council.

According to reports from auditors, the department's revenues were $14,700 over what was predicted and had $40,600 less on expenditures.

The council approved all financial reports for the city and approved to pay the city's bills.

Franklin said he had again invited someone from the Therapeutic Family Services Center to attend the council meeting and inform everyone about the center. He was informed no one would be able to attend the meeting.

Council member Sally Tarpley said, "They've had two chances. Do they understand that we just want them to explain to us what they do and who funds the center?"

"I spelled it all out to them in the letter I sent them," said Franklin.

However, a representative from the center did ask Franklin if he would like to come and tour the facility. Franklin said he would meet with them before the next council meeting, although he felt as if the council deserved to hear from a Therapeutic Family Services representative.

Franklin asked City Marshall Don Childers if the police had been receiving as many calls about the center.

Childers said, "No we haven't, but we still don't know what they do over there."

Council member David Buck told Franklin he would like to see a breakdown of the staff from the center.

Ben Williams didn't have much to report on the water department.

However, Betty Torgerson thanked Williams for doing such a good job fixing her front yard after the water department had to do some work there.

Franklin said, "That is a real compliment Ben."

Togerson laughed.

Childers asked the council if something could be done about the fireworks in Gurdon.

"We had over 50 calls complaining about fireworks in a five-day period. Our department has other things to take care than to have to chase fireworks all night. There isn't much we can do anyway since it is not illegal to shot fireworks in the Gurdon city limits," he said.

Tarpley said, "It trashes up the town."

Childers said, "Yes it does. We had some kids sweep and clean up some trash they had left. The problem is by the time we get a call about fireworks and we get there, the kids are gone."

Franklin said, "The fireworks are sold by churches and the Future Farmers of America. We don't want to take the firework sales away from them by limiting fireworks."

One Gurdon resident in the audience commented, "Well why not? I would."

Council members discussed possibly restricting when and where fireworks can be shot or leaving the fireworks alone.

It was decided to discuss the problem with residents in the council member's wards in order to see how the rest of the city felt.

Fire Chief Jake McBride reported burning some more abandoned houses. McBride said they had more to do, but were going to wait until the end of summer before doing away with them.

Animal Control Officer Carroll Martin said it is really the dog days of summer.

"The dogs just aren't out like they were. It's too hot. I am still getting calls though," he said.

Tarpley said, "I have been seeing less dogs as I walk my mail route.

"I am wondering if maybe Carroll could leave notes at some houses if he notices dogs on a leash that are being left with no water? I have been watering dogs if I see them without.

"It's great that people are abiding the leash law, but we don't want dogs to suffer."

Martin said he would work on it.

Betty Torgerson told the council she had a complaint about the trash and odor behind the Sexton Food Store.

"It's awful back there Mayor. Is there anything we can do," said Torgerson.

"I talked to the store manager, and they said they would work on it," said Gurdon Recorder/Treasurer Tambra Smith.

Henry Bell Jr. said, "I would like to show my appreciation to all of you for the excellent job you do.

"However, I am a little embarrassed that in all my 71 years of living in Gurdon I have never attended a city council meeting. This is my first time here and it is to complain.

"We have a terrible problem on Joslyn Street. I live directly behind the Sexton Food Store and it has become almost unbearable. Trash blows over into our yard. The smell from trash will take your breath away. My wife and I can't sit on our porch anymore because of the stench. There is grease overflowing from bins that has the street slicker than ice.

"My neighbor likes to walk for exercise, but doesn't do it anymore because the odor from the back of that store is atrocious.

"I am hoping the city of county can do something about the problem or else I will have to file a suit against the store."

Franklin informed Bell he was aware of the problem and the county had been notified and asked if it were possible for Sexton's garbage to be picked up at least twice a week.

Bell reported the trash blowing into his yard had improved and they had picked up behind the building, however, the smell was the real problem.

Franklin said he would get in touch with Charles Sexton himself and see what his take was on the problem.