Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
A new face will officially be joining the Branford Town Council in January, as members voted on who would be filling the Post 3 seat during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10. However, there were a few business items the council needed to go over first. Once the meeting had been brought to order, Council President Jay Hatch emphasized that the evening would strictly adhere to Robert's Rules of Order due to extenuating circumstances requiring quick proceedings. As such, he stressed that interruptions and speaking out of turn would not be tolerated. After approving previous meeting minutes and the town's accounts payable, the council heard updates from Branford Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) Chief Robert Yates. He reported that the department's standard operating guidelines had been submitted to the State Fire Marshal's Office for approval, with its respiratory program already approved and its hazmat program pending. Yates also detailed ongoing tests of the department's fire hoses, with 70 to 75 having been completed. He stated he expected these and other tests going on throughout the BVFD to be completed within four to six weeks. Additionally, he noted progress in the Grow as You Go program, with one volunteer awaiting the state test in order to receive Fire 1 certification and several others advancing through the program. One final update was the BVFD's collaboration with the annual Jackson Timothy Roberts Toy Drive. Yates stated collection bins are currently set up throughout the community, with major drop-off locations including Dollar Tree, Dollar General Market, Tractor Supply, Scaff's and Rabbit's Olde School Barber Shop. He took a moment to clarify that, although there are also Toys for Tots bins around town, only toys donated through the Jackson Timothy Roberts Toy Drive are guaranteed to remain within the community. Following a few brief updates from Town Clerk Aleshia Terry, the council proceeded to approve its proposed Water Loss Forgiveness Policy. The new policy allows Terry to average sewer bills for residents who experience leaks or other extenuating circumstances. However, the council noted that this is a one-time-only adjustment. The council then moved to fill the vacant Post 3 position, which was left open by the resignation of former Councilman Charlie Daniel. Four candidates submitted letters of interest, including Janene Hickey, Charlotte Arnoldi, Donnie Glover and Jeremiah McCall, who was unable to attend due to work obligations. After deliberation, McCall was selected for the position, receiving three votes to Glover's one. McCall will serve until the Post 3 term ends in June 2025. He will officially be sworn in during the council's regular meeting in January. The final item of business was the unanimous adoption of Resolution #2024-03, which integrates the Suwannee County Emergency Management plan. There were no comments from the public, so the council members were given the chance to voice any final comments or concerns they had. Councilwoman Stacey Griffith was the first to speak, noting that Suwannee County Fire Rescue Chief Dan Miller had spoken with her again about the interlocal agreement, which hadn't been updated since the 1980s. Additionally, she mentioned that the council had approved the creation of a part-time position to help Terry in the office. However, the position had not been advertised. The council agreed to look into advertising the position while also looking at possibly getting an intern from the high school to help. Griffith's final update was that she had spoken with the Department of Transportation (DOT) about the potential addition of more two-hour parking signs in the downtown area. According to Griffith, DOT advised that the purchase and installation of such signs would be considered business of the town. As a resolution would need to be approved in order to pursue attaining the signs, the item will be placed on January's agenda for further discussion. Mayor Ken Saunders then closed the meeting with an update on efforts to address sand spur issues at the cemetery, noting ongoing spraying to improve the grounds. The next Branford Town Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14. It will take place in the council chambers of Branford Town Hall, located at 502 SW Suwannee Ave.