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Higgins Ferry swimming area could remain open
Published Monday, April 27, 2009
The swimming area at Higgins Ferry Park could remain open if the county can provide more enforcement.
Alabama Power originally wanted to either close the swimming area or move it near the pavilion to allow for the construction of a new pier. The county might be allowed to keep it open, however, if Chilton County Sheriff’s Deputies can start issuing tickets to park visitors who are parked illegally.
“I asked Alabama Power, ‘What would it take to keep [the swimming area] where it is?’” Park Ranger Frank Atkinson told the Chilton County Commission Monday night.
The answer Atkinson received was increased enforcement of regulations, both in the water and in the parking area.
The main concern stems from swimmers swimming in the path of boats. Another concern is in the parking area, where some motorists have either blocked boaters in or parked in areas marked with “no parking” signs.
Sheriff Kevin Davis, also in attendance at the meeting, said he had no problem writing tickets but that it should be the commission’s decision. Therefore, a resolution would have to be approved so the regulations could be enforced properly.
“You make the laws; I enforce the laws,” Davis told the commission.
Atkinson said Alabama Power would provide law enforcement in the water in the form of Marine Police.
Commissioner Bobby Agee suggested that if the swimming area should remain open, officers issuing tickets could start by issuing warning tickets.
Commissioners seemed to have no problem with continuing to allow swimming.
“I want to keep the swimming area, however they do it,” Joe Headley said.
“I want it left like it is,” Heedy Hayes added.
County Attorney John Hollis Jackson indicated he would begin drafting a resolution for the commission’s consideration.
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Comments
Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 28, 2009 at 6:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well now, whadda we have here, selective law enforcement? "Sheriff Kevin Davis, also in attendance at the meeting, said he had no problem writing tickets."
“You make the laws; I enforce the laws,” Davis told the commission."
Well alrighty then! How about enforcing the "no littering law" and "speeding law" on CR410! The sheriff states that he has no problem writing tickets and that he "enforces the laws", so be it. Park yer spankin' new black widows on CR410 and write some freakin' tickets.
Posted by magnoliapem (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am glad that the commission has developed a plan to keep the park open. I hate to see a County resource wasted.
I don't have a problem with the increased security. It makes sense to me. I don't think it is selective law enforcement to increase patrols in high traffic area, or potential danger zones. Frankly, I have seen times at the Ferry where I wished law enforcement would show up.
Posted by danwright (Dan Wright) on April 28, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is there some reason that the commission can't make the park a "special zone" and allow the park ranger to enforce parking regulations?
No need for the ranger to be law enforcement certified. This is done every day in citites that enforce parking regulations. Instead of taking patrol units off the streets let's use the resources that are already there.
Unless there is some special law that forbids this, the solution is proposed. Now the commission needs to act.
Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 28, 2009 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"I don't think it is selective law enforcement to increase patrols in high traffic area, or potential danger zones." magnolia, that's exactly what CR410 is ...
Posted by theunknown (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dude if you would have looked out your window this weekend one of those "black widows" was on CR410 enforcing the law. (more than once)
Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 28, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
unknown, if that's the case, they get an "attaboy". It's just not enough.
Posted by psychologistdmp (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What are the duties of the park ranger? Does anyone know or know where to find them?
Posted by kdavis (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Wells why is it that everytime the Clanton Advertiser prints anything about law enforcement you want to say that we never patrol your road. I wish you would call me @ 755-4698 and lets talk about the problem. The facts are this....
1st.--I only have 14 patrol deputies to patrol Chilton County 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
2nd.--We are tring to patrol all of the county the same and to keep our deputies in all parts of the county.
3rd.--The true facts are we have patrolled County Road 410
Since Jan. 2008 we have made 15 traffic stops on County Road 410, responded to 16 calls for service, and preformed a drivers license/safety checkpoint on May 24 2008.
4th.--I will admit I wish we could be everywhere even more but the facts are there is many other roads within the county that we have been to less.
Mr. Wells I promise you one thing we will patrol your road and all the other Chilton County roads as much as time will allow.
Posted by chiltoncopeach (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 6:44 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by shawnabug02 (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sherrif Davis, I'm going to tell you the same thing my husband tells me "If someone says something about you they are leaving someone else alone." I'm proud to live in a town that has you as our sherrif. God Bless and great job to all your guys.
Posted by gonefishen (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One way to control traffic at the boat launch would be to only allow boat towing traffic in that area. No non- boat towing vehicles past the stop sign in front of the bathhouse. And as I posted the last tyme this subject came up: CHARGE A LAUNCH FEE. Most people using the launch ramp are not from here and DO NOT contribute any revenue to our area unless they stay overnight at a local motel or in the camp grounds. I also do not see the need for extra sheriff patrols, I believe that is what a park ranger is in place for.
Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's funny ChiltonCopeach -- everyone I talk to is happy with Sheriff Davis.
Posted by btaylor99 (anonymous) on April 28, 2009 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
good one shawnabug and katerinereece!!! some people are just chronic complainers , never happy with anyone or anything, wonder how they would handle things!?!?... in between the complaining!!!
Posted by TheDude (Michael Wells) on April 28, 2009 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Kevin, and I will call.
Posted by magnoliapem (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems to me that community watch would be a great program to institute in the CR 410 area. I don't know where that area is, but it makes sense to me that the majority of people using that road are people that live on or near it, therefore it is safe to conclude that the majority of your traffic safety is coming from your community residents. Why not try holding a community meeting for the residents of that area and discuss with them your concerns for traffic safety. Some of them may have the same concerns and you may prevent a majority of the traffic problems with out having to rely on the sheriff's department. I encourage a peaceful solution.
As for Sheriff Davis, I will admit I was reluctant to vote for you. However, you have done an admiral job. This is the first I've heard of any whining and crying to the Commission. Truth be told you've done good things with every concession you've gotten from them, therefore keep up the hissy fits, you might just turn this place around yet. Another thing is that if you have to have these fits to get the commission to do the right thing for the county, then perhaps we need to consider who we vote for in the commission race next time. I'm for progress, and I have seen alot of that with Sheriff Davis.
Continue the good work, and pray for your deputies, they aren't Barney Fife's walking around Mayberry. Chilton County has gotten more dangerous and drug prone over the past few years. All Barney had to worry about was the town drunk. Your guys do soooooo much more.
Posted by psychologistdmp (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 2:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Forget the selective law enforcement, we get to continue swimming with the snakes and bottom feeders...wooo hooo!
Posted by btaylor99 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
been doing it for 50 years, don't get drunk and fall on one and they won't bother you
Posted by btaylor99 (anonymous) on April 29, 2009 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i agree gonefishen, 100% , all these guys that take over everyother day should have to pay for nonresident parking AND fishing!!!
Posted by alexofalabama (anonymous) on May 1, 2009 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, now that's what I've been looking for. Citizens state the problems (even if they can't reach a consensus), Their governmental representatives listen and provide legislation that's beneficial for the majority interests and best interests of and for Chilton County. The law enforcement community responds to community need with legal enforcement of county resolutions.
While it wasn't easy for everyone, it seems to have worked. The swimming stays, The boater stay, The Methodist Lake Mission Stays (and prays), and we get better control and utilization of the public's resources. I'm proud of all of you. That was "PEACHY", if you don't mind the pun. :) Have a Blessed Day Alabama. Oh,,and now it's time to be mature, and start this same type community action for the issue of my streets problems, your streets problems, this police officers Public image, that commissioners public image. Discourse is good, communications can be proactive and not slanderous or vindictive, and believe it or not,,,while everybody can't be happy all the time,,,,most of us can be if we work TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY! Thank you Chilton County. You make me proud.
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