By V. Hugh Lewis II, publisher
Event organizers are not required to request permission from the Jesse Allen Wise Garden Club to close the section of Austin Street in front of the Excelsior Hotel, despite instructions provided to two organizers by Mayor Charles “Bubba” Haggard earlier this month.
Excelsior Foundation Representative Bobbie Hardy read a brief statement to Council citing events which inconvenienced their guests.
“We re grateful our guests know and understand parking is not available in front of the hotel during traditional parade times,” said Hardy. “This past fall we were saddled with a most difficult situation: the closing of Austin Street from Vale to Market for three events. Basically the street was closed starting on Thursday for the Saturday events. Namely the Antique Tractor Show in September and the October Burn Benefit. In the case of the Taste of Jefferson on Sunday October 20th, we were told guests were required to remove their vehicles no later than 7 a.m. that morning.”
“Our wish is to keep the Excelsior vibrant, welcoming, tourist friendly and a star in Jefferson’s crown,” said Hardy.
At the January 9, 2020, special meeting, Haggard brought up that the Excelsior Hotel had special requested advance notice of requests to close Austin Street before Council approved any closures for events. Haggard instructed Hollis Shadden prior to the meeting that he needed to get the Garden Club’s approval before Council would approve the closure. Haggard also emailed (see below a copy of the email) Krewe of Hebe President Amanda Turner a similar request. Haggard then removed Shadden’s event application from the consent agenda until Shadden had discussed it with the Garden Club. During Tuesday’s meeting, Haggard denied telling anyone to talk to the Garden Club about their closure requests before submitting their street closure request.
The Krewe of Hebe (Mardi Gras) and the Phoenix Organization (Outlaw Nationals Car Show and Jefferson Burn Benefit), said they provide written notice to all businesses adjacent to streets they close notice at least twice before the event.
Shadden offered to read the letter he received from the Excelsior Hotel approving the street closure, but was denied as Haggard stated it wasn’t necessary. “You asked me to discuss this with the ladies at the garden club,” said Shadden, “and I’ve done that. I’ve even gotten a letter from their manager. I can read that if you’d like.” “No, that won’t be necessary, I told you that,” said Haggard.
Applications for Mardi Gras (February), Outlaw Nationals Car Show (April), Big Cypress Corvette Show (June), and Jefferson Burn Benefit (October) were all approved.
“We are trying to be courteous and notify them in advance of street closures,” said Ward 3 Alderman Victor Perot.
“So nobody is required to do that [consult with Excelsior Hotel] now,” said Tyranni Braddock, Alderman for Ward 2. “I just wanted clarification as it was done during a meeting which I wasn’t made aware of. I just wanted clarification as business owner.”
“Everyone should inform them,” said Perot. “You take copy of application by and the road closures by. The courtesy should be given to everyone. It’s just a courtesy to the public to let them know. We don’t want to inconvenience anyone. Just the courtesy to inform everyone. I probably had 15 people asking me the same question you asked. Just sometime prior to the event. A month before would be nice. But two weeks is fine.”
Event Organizer Stan Davis asked if a list of business owners could be created and given to organizers so “we know the appropriate people to contact and notificaiton doesn’t get lost with employees.”
“Absolutely. That’s a wonderful idea. We will do that,” said Perot.
Alderman Kay McKinnon announced that all Event Applications which require street closures would no longer be in the Consent Agenda portion of the Council agenda. “We are not going to put events on the consent agenda anymore unless they don’t require any street closures.”
Outstanding Citations
Jefferson Police Department has approximately $918,000 in outstanding citations, and requested the City hire a Collection Agency to help reduce the backlog.
NetData and MVBA gave presentations during the meeting outlining their services, closure and collection rates of around 55%, and what they can do for the City.
MVBA operates via a web based system which integrates with various Municipal Court systems, up front costs to the City, and operational in three weeks to 30 days. Fees for MVBA services are paid by the person with the citation.
NetData offered custom software to import existing cases, 30-60 days to be operational, and a fee of approximately $8,000 with annual renewal of $5,000.
Both companies work with the state OMNI and DMV systems to notify them of outstanding citations which will prohibit an individual from renewing their drivers licenses or vehicle registrations.
The City currently pays $2,400 a year for their current court system. Christi Huntington, the City Municipal Clerk, currently collects about 64% of the citations issued each year. Marion County currently uses NetData and will be able to share data with Municpal Judge and Justice of the Peace Lena Pope’s office.
Council went with the recommendation of Huntington and selected NetData with the agreement it would be operational in 30 days.
Other Actions
- Council approved the hiring of Donald Blasingame as a new Police Officer.
- Approved a residential building permit for Rickie and Laura Thompson on Lake Street
- Funding form reserves an undisclosed amount to cleanup 105 N Main Street to include tearing down the structures there and removal of shrubbery and trees. The City plans to construct a fire station on the site in the future. Haggard indicated it could be around $10,000. However the motion did not include an amount to fund.
- Approved requesting bids to do cosmetic repairs on City Hall. Actual work will still require Council approval and additional funds being allocated from reserves.
Council packet