newsJanuary 29, 2025

Steele City Council addresses crime and stray animals with new initiatives, including Flock Cameras and a part-time humane officer. Other topics covered include grant applications, water bill dates, and tech upgrades.

Steele Council Works to restore community

The Steele City Council met on December 19 for their regular meeting during which time Mayor Sam Rinehart discussed monthly bills in the amount of $142,332.53 before they were approved by the council. Moving on, the Mayor discussed the grant process. It was stated there have been some adjustments to the process due to all bids being over budget. It was also comented that the finalized plan has been signed and will be submitted before the year is over.

Rinehart then spoke to the group regarding Code Enforcement. He said a good starting point would be areas in need of being torn down due to the vacancy leading to potential crime in those areas. It was also stated that Bellevue Street is one of the first areas in need of attending. Alderman Mike Ganus will be doing a ride along with Chief Billy Joe Stanfield to observe and list these areas in need of attention.

Rinehart discussed Flock Cameras. It was said there had been previous discussion of there being a certain amount set aside to purchase cameras for select areas of the city. These cameras would be an asset in helping solve crimes, and add additional eyes on those entering and leaving the city limits in the event of a major crime being committed that resulted in one fleeing the city limits. A Federal Grant can be applied for it the city falls within the guidelines, which will pay 100% of the camera expense. Alderman Mark Weathers made a motion to move forward with applying for this grant with none opposed.

The Mayor then discussed MRWA Membership dues. This is a service used by the water department and the cost of rejoining is $600. Weathers made a motion to rejoin and all were in favor.

Conversation then moved to the dog pound. Previous discussions were in favor of discontinuing the dog pound until a later time, but to first find volunteers to help at the shelter. Due to increased calls and complaints of stray animals, it is now a discussion of having a part time humane officer. It was said that the position would be 25 hours a week and the applicant would need to pass through the hiring process. The officer would need a vehicle to drive, and the council believes there is an available pick up truck in need of minor repairs that could be used.

Weathers made a motion to hire a part time humane officer and none opposed.

Rinehart then discussed water bill due dates. He said citizens are receiving the water bill statements late or not at all. Because of this, they discussed the penalty date being pushed from the 10th day of the month to the 15th instead. Water bill due dates will remain the 10th of each month, with a penalty date being set for the 15th, along with the shut off being the same day. Weathers made a motion to move the penalty and shut off date to the 15th and none opposed.

Biohazard Trash Cans were next on the agenda as it had been found previously that no biohazard trash cans had been placed in the mens or womens restrooms. At the current time, one has been placed in both restrooms and moving forward they will be getting with Green’s Pharmacy to find other disposal methods.

Thin Blue Technology was then discussed as the mayor explained an estimate was given for the police department in the amount of $4,800 to replace two outdated computers, fire wall replacement on all computers and replacement of the outdated server. A fee of $800 was quoted for monthly services and these can also be used remotely. Thin Blue Technology can apply for a grant on behalf of the city for up to $200,000 in October of 2025. The Mayor made the recommendation to table this discussion and revisit their options at the next meeting. All agreed.

Alderman Mike McCord made a motion to enter closed session regarding legal actions and litigation, leasing and purchase of real estate and hiring and firing of employees.

After returning to open session, they opened to floor for discussion. Resident David Perry asked for help with potholes on Perry Drive, the street where his rental houses are located. Perry said he would be willing to provide the materials if they city would agree to use their equipment to spread them out. The council agreed and the meeting was adjourned.

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