Overgrown yards, littering take center stage at Lanett council
BY JOHN BRICE AND GATOR MEDIA
FOR THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LANETT — District 5 Council Member Kim Roberts addressed the ongoing challenge of combating properties with overgrown grass and public littering was the main focus at the Lanett City Council meeting on Monday, July 20.
“I have been going through District 5 and mayor, I am disappointed by all the yards that are needing grass cutting,” Roberts said. “I know that we have had a lot of rain, but when yards are not maintained, it affects our neighborhoods, our streets and our beautiful city. I know that our mayor will support me in that. I have got a meeting with Mark Crowder, our code enforcement officer and city inspector, on Wednesday to discuss some of the properties and to find out what actions that can be taken.”
Roberts then issued a call to action for her fellow citizens of Lanett.
“Let’s work together to beautify our neighborhoods and our city,” Roberts said. “I know that the Restoration Committee does a good job, but there is more to be done, especially in our neighborhoods. It is just sad when you go down your street and you are like ‘People, what is wrong? We don’t care any more.’ That is not Lanett, we are better than that. If you have any questions or anything, any concerns, reach out to me and let’s talk about it.”
Mayor Jamie Heard responded to Roberts with his concerns over the littering across the city.
“Going back to what Ms. Roberts said about paper, I don’t know the answer,” Heard said. “I know the Rev. Henson is out every morning, the full day picking up paper. One of the things that we have talked about is maybe getting churches to adopt certain streets. If you live on a street, if you adopt that street, [you] pick up the [trash] maybe once or twice a week. I just don’t know why people will ride down the road and throw stuff out. If you go to McDonalds, they give you a bag. If these people would just put it back in the bag instead of throwing it out the window. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Heard proposed different solutions for solving these persistent problems.
“Let’s encourage each other,” he said. “Tell your neighbors. Tell your church to adopt a street. This week I am going to see if my church can adopt a street or streets. We are not a dumping place, sometimes people feel like it is. If you see that somebody dumped a whole lot of stuff, if you find an address you bring it up here and we will investigate and file charges against them.”
Water, Wastewater Concerns
Water Superintendent Richard “Bull” Chapman addressed the council regarding the city’s water issues, which have become a priority following an audit that revealed significant water loss.
“The good news is that as of today, we have zero leaks; however, we are facing a problem on the wastewater side,” Chapman said. “I have evidence that a company is dumping toxins into our water, and I can show you what they are doing.
“We need to take action, as this will start to incur costs for the city. We will be bringing in companies to help us resolve this issue, so we need to address it as soon as possible.”
District 2 Council Member Krisse Story said she, Chapman and the mayor are working together to address the issue.
“I would like to report that Mr. Chapman, the mayor and I are working together and taking action steps regarding our water,” Story said.
Heard agreed to meet with Chapman to discuss the matter and possible solutions.
In other business:
A proclamation for the Chambers County Day of Prayer was read. The Day of Prayer for Chambers County service will be held Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. CT on the east side of the Courthouse in LaFayette.
Ordinances for amendments to water/sewage tap fees, gas tap and inspection fees, connection fees and service charges were all approved upon their second reading.
A resolution was approved for the declaration of weed nuisances on multiple properties in the city.
