By Danny Federico Riverbend News
The Town of Branford held a Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of Branford Town Hall, located at 502 SW Suwannee Ave. In attendance were: Mayor Mickey Dempsey; Attorney Johnathan Turner; President Ken Saunders, Post 1; Vice President Alice Childress, Post 2; Stacey Smith, Post 4 and Matt Burns, Post 5. The meeting opened up with the invocation, led by Burns, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Once the meeting was opened, the council approved the minutes of the previous regular meeting, held on Tuesday, July 13, along with the minutes of an emergency meeting, which was held on Monday, July 26. Following the approval of the minutes was a review of the financial report, including the general fund and the enterprise fund. After the fund summary was reviewed, a motion was made and subsequently approved to pay the bills.
Next on the agenda involved code enforcement. During this time, President Saunders informed how the council is still requesting resumes and applications for the position of Code Enforcement Officer. So far, there have been a few applications, but the council is hoping to receive more for a wider selection. Those interested in the position can learn more about the job guidelines by contacting the Town of Branford at (386) 935-1146 or by visiting the Florida Association of Code Enforcement's website at face-online.org.
Discussion then moved to the fire department report, which was given by Terry Burgess with the Branford Volunteer Fire Department. Although there wasn't much to report, Burgess did inform the council how five new members had joined the fire department.
After Burgess' report, President Saunders informed how there will be a budget workshop later this month and the public hearings for the budget will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14 and Tuesday, Sept. 28.
Next, Suwannee American Cement, located just east of Branford on US 27, put in a request to use all of Hatch Park for their Employee Appreciation Day on Saturday, Oct. 16. Approximately 100 employees are expected to attend the event, along with their families. Suwannee American Cement has been extremely supportive of the town by contributing to various school programs, the rodeo, purchasing animals at livestock shows and more. The board unanimously approved their request.
The floor then opened up for requests and comments from the community. During this time, one concerned citizen stated there was still an issue with speeding within town. President Saunders responded, stating he would like to set the speed limit to 20 miles per hour town-wide. “When we start having another workshop, I want to post 20 miles an hour speed limits town-wide, except for maybe around schools, where [the speed could be set] at 15,” President Saunders said. “I don't think anyone should drive over 20 miles an hour- 20 to 22 miles is a safe speed. So, I do plan on bringing that before the council and us having a vote on that.”
Before the meeting adjourned, the council expressed how both it and the citizens in attendance would like to see Suwannee County Sheriff Sam St. John attend the town council meetings on a regular basis. This, they explained, would allow them to convey their concerns to him directly, instead of having their messages taken over the phone, allowing for a more personal approach to solving issues within the town.
The next Branford Town Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of Branford Town Hall, located at 502 SW Suwannee Ave.