Taxi proposal presented at city meeting
Published 9:33 pm Wednesday, March 6, 2013
During their Tuesday night meeting, Brookhaven aldermen heard plans for a taxicab service, were briefed on the status of tornado sirens and received an update on mitigating the abuse of recycling sites.
Mackie Gipson appeared before the board and informed aldermen of his plan to operate a taxi service in Brookhaven.
“We’re going New York City on this,” Gipson said.
State law requires proposals for taxi services be presented to aldermen, said City Clerk Mike Jinks.
Aldermen offered encouragement to Gipson in his plans.
“Good luck,” said Ward Six Alderman David Phillips. “It’s needed.”
Gipson said he plans to target the elderly population of the area in need of transportation.
“I’m thinking more or less of the rest homes,” he said.
Gipson is also running for the Ward Six alderman seat, currently held by Phillips. The incumbent Phillips is seeking re-election.
Another alderman hopeful was in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting, Ramon Johnson, who’s seeking the Ward Three seat. Ward Three incumbent Mary Wilson is running for another term.
Local Civil Defense Director Clifford Galey also appeared before aldermen. He provided an update on the status of collecting bids for the installation of weather alert sirens in Brookhaven.
“I’ve had several phone calls and conversations with contractors about it,” Galey said. “I feel confident we’ll get a number of bids.”
Bids will be accepted until 2 p.m. April 12. They’ll be opened that afternoon.
There have been no bids submitted yet. Galey said he expects them to begin rolling in closer to the deadline.
Phillips also updated aldermen on efforts to ensure recycling bins at Fire Station No. 2 on Willard Street aren’t abused and littered with trash.
A recycling bin at Central Fire Station was removed after garbage, including animal carcasses, was dumped at the site.
A security camera and signs have been ordered to help police the Willard Street site.
Phillips said they should arrive in 8-10 days.