Jackson residents voice concerns over fire department’s services

Langston voiced concerns over how a gas leak at Beverly’s Daycare was handled by the city Fire Department. He said Jackson Fire Chief Harvey Norris declared the building safe, but the Butts County Fire Department arrived, found a leak and evacuated the building.

He is also concerned that the city’s firefighters cannot administer oxygen. Jimmy Vincent of Paul Maddox Road also voiced concerns over the Fire Department’s inability to administer oxygen.

Vincent also asked why the city rehires retired employees instead of hiring new employees. He called this process “double dipping.”

Debra Holloway, a resident of Hill Street, said Jackson residents should not have to wait for the Butts County Fire Department for medical assistance. She said when her husband was having chest pains, city Fire Department employees had to wait for Butts County Emergency Services to arrive before an ECG could be performed.

Jackie Holloway, also a resident of Hill Street, asked how the city’s firefighters are trained and why they can’t provide medical care.

Larry Duke of James Moore Circle said if the Fire Department does not have the proper training, they should not be called to medical emergencies.

Councilwoman Jeanette Riley said she has heard their concerns and would research the issue and work to resolve it. Councilman Ricky Johnson expressed that there have been discussions regarding the city’s Fire Department and the council will address the concerns.

In other public comments, Marjorie Singley Hall of Dempsey Avenue voiced concerns over the current moratorium on zoning in the city. Hall said she is unable to have a storage shed built because she can’t get a permit.

Jeremy McRay, the owner of Roots Outdoors, addressed concerns over several code violations he has received in regards to Roots Outdoors’ vehicles being parked overnight. McRay said he was told he had to remove his vehicle while another business is allowed to keep a vehicle parked on the town square 24-7. Jackson Mayor Carlos Duffey said he will ask code enforcement to look into the issue.

Amy Fletcher of Covington Street brought her concern over the recent discussion of changing the city’s pension plan to allow current employees to receive retirement funds and continue to work and get a separate paycheck. Fletcher said she has a professional background in pension plans and stated the change would negatively impact the city. She also expressed her disappointment in how council members spoke to one another at the last meeting.

In other business, the council presented the first reading of Ordinance 2024-001. If approved, the ordinance would change the benefits elected officials receive.

Ordinance 2024-002 was also read for the first time. This ordinance adds specifications to the city’s purchasing policy and provides a procurement procedure manual for the city.

Ordinances must be read twice before voted upon.

The council approved a contract with 120 Water for $13,400 and repairs to the blower barrier at the wastewater treatment plan for $74,700. The council also approved the purchase of Flyg equipment for the wastewater treatment plant for $40,788.81. Both wastewater treatment purchases will come from AARPA Funds.

In final business, the council approved the adding five additional amnesty days to the city’s calendar. These days will be set for the Monday after city of Jackson Clean-up Days. In the hope of increasing participation, Councilman Don Cook recommended the clean-up days begin at 9 a.m., instead of 8 a.m.