Comer council gets tied up on leaf and limb schedule

Mayor David McMickle wants a date set so citizens know when leaf and limb debris will be picked up, and proposed it be set for the first Monday after the first Sunday of each month. But councilman Howard Threlkeld objected to setting a specific date, saying debris should be picked up when city workers “can get to it” within 30 days. Councilman Kevin Booth agreed with Yarbrough, saying there would be complaints from residents if city workers could not pick up the debris on the set date.

But councilman Jimmy Yarbrough agreed with Mayor McMickle, saying the he feels the pick up should be on a schedule so citizens know when the city will attempt to do it. Council member Laquita Bridges was absent, so that left the vote at 2-1, until attorney James Roberts told the council that the mayor can not only vote to break a tie, he can vote to “make a tie.” Under this advice, McMickle voted “yes” to the time schedule, rendering a 2-2 tie. Roberts said this was the same as tabling the motion for later consideration.

In another matter March 8, the council voted to accept Phase III of Rolling Oaks subdivision. The council voted to approve the acceptance with the condition that Rolling Oaks Homeowners’ Association will assume responsibility for upkeep of the non-conforming cul-d-sacs in that portion of the subdivision.

City attorney Roberts told members of the homeowners’ association that they should begin the process of becoming a legal entity by incorporating.

In a related matter, Royal Oaks representative Scott Callaway thanked the council for their acceptance of Phase III. He also reminded them that an outdoor cleanup of the subdivision is planned for March 13 and a community yard sale is planned for April 3. Callaway said the Association is also discussing a Neighborhood Watch program with Comer Police Department.