Hawkins City Council
Proposed burn permit ordinance dies for lack of second; audit clean
By JOHN SPARKS

Meeting in regular session, Monday, May 21, the Hawkins City Council could not reach consensus on a proposed ordinance that would have required citizens to secure a “burn permit” for any open burning within the city. The council did unanimously approve two interlocal agreements with Wood County—one related to funding from the county for emergency services and one whereby county equipment and labor can be used to develop three new soccer fields at the old city park.

The council also canvassed the results of the May 12 City election in which three seats on the council were open. Incumbents Dwayne Hickey, Clara Key and Tom Parker were re-elected to the seats, with only one of the positions being contested.
 

Jeff Moore presented the 2006 audit report to the council saying his firm found “nothing unusual” and pronounced the 2006 review a “clean audit.”
Mayor Sam Bradley reported progress in the city’s quest to secure a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture for repair and refurbishing of the city’s water tower. The grant program could provide up to $118,000 which the city would have to match with $200,000 in local funds.
 

The Mayor also reported a damage estimate of approximately $1,200 as a result of the vandalism to the city park’s oil derrick. While the city carries insurance, it has a deductible of $1,000, so the city would still be out at least $1,000.
 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Hawkins City Council is scheduled for Monday, June 18 at 6 p.m. A special meeting of the council can be called with 72 hours public notice.