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A second meeting this week has been scheduled for the Goodman board of aldermen after the last two meetings ended without a quorum.
“It looks like we’re in a dilemma again tonight,” said Goodman Mayor Calvin Wilson, “We can’t have a regular meeting because two of our council members are not here.”
Without a quorum the board could not hold a vote. It is the same situation they faced last meeting, when one board member was out sick and another was home with a sick family member. This time, one was out with a sick family member and another was traveling. Another meeting has been scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday at city hall.
The board did hear some informational items and held a public hearing on the transfer of equipment and fire stations to the Goodman Area Fire Protection District. The district’s lease is up on Oct. 18, said Don Ruby, president of the Goodman Area Fire Protection District board.
“As far as the board is concerned, it’s an agreement made five years ago,” Ruby said.
When the district was formed some were worried it would not last and as a safeguard an agreement was made at that time leasing the fire department equipment and stations from the city until they could prove themselves.
“As of right now we’re in real good shape,” Ruby said. “Our equipment is probably the best we’ve ever had. Everything we need to accomplish is being accomplished.”
The board will vote on the issue Thursday.
They also heard from Wes Ogden and Jerry Rickman requesting a variance on a proposed construction project on Barnes Avenue. Abundant Life Church has donated funds to build a new home for the Rickmans and volunteer tradesmen have signed up to help. They assumed they would be able to replace the home with one of a similar size, but zoning ordinances have changed. The lot is 64 feet wide and the group is replacing a 24 by 36-feet, one bedroom, one bath home. City zoning requires it to be 17 ½ feet from the sides of the property and a 24- by 40-feet minimum construction size. Board members estimate that the zoning changed about five years ago. A similar home was once on the street but has been removed.
“If you take 64 feet and lop off 17 feet on each end that leaves you with a 29-foot house,” Ogden said. “Basically we’re asking you for some grace.”
A second meeting this week has been scheduled for the Goodman board of aldermen after the last two meetings ended without a quorum.
“It looks like we’re in a dilemma again tonight,” said Goodman Mayor Calvin Wilson, “We can’t have a regular meeting because two of our council members are not here.”
Without a quorum the board could not hold a vote. It is the same situation they faced last meeting, when one board member was out sick and another was home with a sick family member. This time, one was out with a sick family member and another was traveling. Another meeting has been scheduled for 8 p.m. Thursday at city hall.
The board did hear some informational items and held a public hearing on the transfer of equipment and fire stations to the Goodman Area Fire Protection District. The district’s lease is up on Oct. 18, said Don Ruby, president of the Goodman Area Fire Protection District board.
“As far as the board is concerned, it’s an agreement made five years ago,” Ruby said.
When the district was formed some were worried it would not last and as a safeguard an agreement was made at that time leasing the fire department equipment and stations from the city until they could prove themselves.
“As of right now we’re in real good shape,” Ruby said. “Our equipment is probably the best we’ve ever had. Everything we need to accomplish is being accomplished.”
The board will vote on the issue Thursday.
They also heard from Wes Ogden and Jerry Rickman requesting a variance on a proposed construction project on Barnes Avenue. Abundant Life Church has donated funds to build a new home for the Rickmans and volunteer tradesmen have signed up to help. They assumed they would be able to replace the home with one of a similar size, but zoning ordinances have changed. The lot is 64 feet wide and the group is replacing a 24 by 36-feet, one bedroom, one bath home. City zoning requires it to be 17 ½ feet from the sides of the property and a 24- by 40-feet minimum construction size. Board members estimate that the zoning changed about five years ago. A similar home was once on the street but has been removed.
“If you take 64 feet and lop off 17 feet on each end that leaves you with a 29-foot house,” Ogden said. “Basically we’re asking you for some grace.”
The board discussed changing the orientation of the house, but that, Ogden said, would be a little complicated.
“If you flipped it, though, your front door would be looking out at a pasture,” he said.
They checked with neighbors and they have no objection to the current building plans. The volunteers have the goal of getting the family in the new house before Christmas.
In addition to the housing variance the board will discuss a settlement with T-Mobile, pay bills and other old business.
The Goodman collector’s office will be open beginning Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday through Dec. 31. The office will close Nov. 25-26 for the Thanksgiving holiday and Friday, Dec. 24.
The expansion of the helicopter pad across from Goodman City Hall is complete after a coordinated effort between from the city, the fire department and the Goodman Betterment Club.
“It looks great,” commented police chief Tom West.
