City officials focusing on stump work
Published 6:00 am Wednesday, November 2, 2005
As the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wraps up hurricane debriscleanup activities in the city, Brookhaven officials are aiming tosee that all work is done.
Mayor Bob Massengill Tuesday night asked aldermen to supply himwith lists of areas where tree stumps remain to be picked up. Themayor said the Corps is needed in other storm-damaged areas, but hedid not want to release them until stump work here iscompleted.
“I don’t want them riding off into the sunset and us being leftwith stumps to remove,” said Massengill, adding that he plans tofollow up on stump removal plans with Corps officials today.
Massengill praised the debris removal work in the city. Crewsfor the Corps are continuing debris removal activities in thecounty.
In another storm-related matter, Massengill said Brookhaven hadreceived $7,633 from Park City, Ill., to help following HurricaneKatrina. The Illinois community, whose Mayor Steve Pannell is aMississippi native, adopted Brookhaven as a sister city and sentsupplies to help evacuees staying here.
At Ward Six Alderman Buddy Allen’s suggestion, aldermen approvedresolution recognizing the Park City, Ill., effort and also that ofBrookhaven, New York. A Brookhaven, N.Y., ambulance crew came hereto lend a hand following the hurricane.
“We’ve been blessed to have sister cities like that,” Allensaid.
Regarding use of the Park City, Ill., funds, Public WorksDirector Steve Moreton suggested they be applied to a new generatorfor one of the city’s water well. He said a new generator wouldcost $18,000 to $20,000.
Following the hurricane, Brookhaven Water Department crewsmanaged to keep water service going and boil water notices neverhad to be issued. However, they cautioned that new generators willbe needed in the future.
Ward Four Alderwoman Shirley Estes said Moreton’s idea was an”excellent suggestion” and the board approved the measure. Theboard also approved naming the well where the new generator will beplaced in honor of Park City, Ill.