Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on September 10, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to know the cities policy on performing work on private property for the residents with the use of city equipment. and if they dont do it why not? I would like for this question to be answered by a council member or the mayor.

Posted by kdnichols (Ken Nichols) on September 11, 2009 at 5:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess everyone in Thorsby will have to continue driving to Clanton to buy adult beverages and give them our tax dollars.
Shame that the money doesn't stay here to be spent on much
needed work.

Posted by RoyBurnett (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

travir423

I am not a council member nor the mayor, I think I do know the law. The City of Clanton cannot do work on private property unless it has been condemned and taken by public domain laws, then it is not private property. Why do you ask?

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually I am referring to the Town of Thorsby, But thanks anyway.

Posted by dscott2744 (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope and pray that the people of Thorsby think about the wet/dry issue long and hard. There should be other ways to get extra money for needed things. I dont want it any closer than it all ready is. Alcohol causes to many problems. I for one will never vote wet. May God continue to bless the town of Thorsby.

Posted by Tommy (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not the mayor or City Council but I work for a government agency, actually I have worked for 2, and city employees using city equipment can't Ethically be used on private owned property. The Ethics Commission would have a field day with the official that directed something such as that.

Take Thorsby for Instance, if they came and cleared some land for 1 property owner, then ALL property owners would be entitled to the same benefit (paid by the tax payers). When would they have time to do City work if they were always working on someone else property.

Clanton, Thorsby or Birmingham, I think you will find that all are going to tell you the same thing.

Posted by thuntj (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

travlr423: I am on Thorsby's City Council and I'll be glad to research your question and get back to you on it.

The Town of thorsby has a website with the mayor and some council member's email addresses in case you would like to email them as well at www.townofthorsby.com

I need some more information to know if you are talking about a right of way or if it is on private property.

I understand the law the same way that Tommy has stated above but I would need to ask the city attorney to be sure of where to find all of the information for you because I am not an attorney.

If you would like we can get you put on the agenda to talk to all of the council and mayor at a city council meeting.

I just wanted to acknowledge your question and get the exact information.

Thank you,
Tara Hunt Jewell

Posted by thuntj (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Having enough signatures on the petition does NOT make Thorsby wet. If there are enough signatures of people saying they want to vote on this it will be put on the ballot and voted on. The results of that referendum will reflect whether Thorsby becomes wet or stays dry.

Thanks,

Tara Hunt Jewell

Posted by thesweetlife (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It doesn't really matter whether the town is wet or dry. Either way, the alcoholics are going to get it and drink it in the town. Why not sell it there?

Posted by CrimusK8T (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can anyone confirm the rumor that "Footloose" was based on actual events that occured in Thorsby?

Posted by dixiedreaming (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I work for a Jeffco municipality and have for more than 20 years. I can't tell you how many people come forward expecting us to trim their trees, clean their ditches, even mow their lawns!

Tommy is correct that an employee using city equipment on private property is an ethical issue, however, Alabama law prohibits any City, Town, County, etc., from using public dollars for the benefit of one private property owner. Public dollars are required to be spent only for those things deemed a "benefit to the entire community".

That's the law, plain as that.

Now, I have to ask, why would any resident think the City is obligated to do work on your private property? You don't want them there univited, but you expect if you invite them they are obligated to spend our tax dollars for your benefit? That's not really a logical question if you ask me.

Posted by Davidica (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That Footloose comment was pretty funny, no matter which way you vote!

Posted by Tommy (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We are off topic..... Yesterday we got chastised for being off topic... I bet that doesn't happen on this topic though.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tommy: It's OK to get off-topic as long as you don't mention Sibley Reynolds. The staff gets awfully testy, even childish, when you mention his name. Anyone else, almost, is fair game, but they've got a 'thing' for Sibley. Not sure exactly what that 'thing' is, but they've sure got one. We'll see how long it takes them to delete this comment, or even delete me.

Posted by thuntj (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rickey, Did a post get deleted? I can't find the post talking about holding the view that our Government should not tell us the whole truth.

I agree, government should always tell the public the truth, open the books for everyone to look at if your doing right there is nothing to hide.

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Rickey, what in the world are you talking about or have you a clue yourself. no need to reply my friend it may very well get off topic.

It seems the only way to get an opinion is to get off topic.

Nov, be on alert before this issue is over we may very well experience another melt down by the C.A.

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thuntj,
As we have concluded that it is an unethical act and most likely forbidden also brings me to my point in question.
A while back my mother had some storm damage as did many other residents. some guy come through looking to make some quick money which he did from my mom and dad and probably many more residents. The guy cut a tree and piled the cuttings by the road. the neighbor also had a fail tree the city cut the neighbors tree and hauled it away but refused to haul my mothers tree cuttings because they hired a contractor to cut the tree. but he only charged them to cut the tree and stack the wood by the road. And i really dont have a big problem with that since there was a contractor involved and he received money. But recently i watched a city employee carry equipment to his home which incidentally is not even in the city limits to perform some type of excavation work. now this is property owned by the city paid for and insured by the taxpayers and residents of the city. Now my question is who actually paid for these services and if by chance an accident should occur where would the liability rest and where does these code of ethics among other regulations and orders of business exempt such officers or employees from the rules. One cannot expect to gain and maintain an expected or sufficient level of confidence from the public when their own cannot appreciate nor follow the same rules they enforce. Now i cannot say for sure if the small excavator was owned by the city but the means of transporting it was labeled as belonging to the City of Thorsby.

Now i realize this inquiry may be far off the topic at issue but none the less i feel that it is a fair and legitimate inquiry that deserves an honest answer to the people.

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One other question would such an incident be isolated or how often does this type of misuse of the cities finances and property take place from the inside and what would the annual accumulated average cost burden be since all equipment cost, insurance, fuel, maintenance etc. comes out of the cities operating budget which at the end of the day is all payed by taxpayers who in turn have no option to these extended services. It seems to me that when you take money from the city unauthorized in any form it is closely related to fraud and embezzlement of those funds whether it be liquid or otherwise. And if your citizens are against alcohol sales for additional revenue maybe they should be more concerned about how their current revenues and expenditures are being handled.
It does not matter if its 8 dollars from a city government or 800 billion from the federal government. It all comes back to Accountability to the people.

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on September 11, 2009 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This comment is i response to a private email.

As i do not reside in the city limits of Thorsby, I see no reason for me to attend a meeting of the council. however i do appreciate the invitation and courtesy that has been extended to me. I would also like to make my intentions very clear concerning this issue. I know that the residents of the city of Thorsby has taken a great step forward with Mayor Hilyer and their current council members. I also believe the Mayor and the members of the council have expressed their sincerity for the towns advancement and opportunity for growth even though i might not agree with every part of their vision I'm just an outsider sharing an opinion. I also know of some of their employees and have known members of their families and they are fine upstanding people. however the rules are the rules and should apply to all equally. And the whole realm of this article seems to revolve around current budgets and potential revenues as they are or may exist. And even if it is just a few dollars here and there being depleted or misused through any means unauthorized ethical or unethical as the surplus grows so will the misuse of it.
It is not my intent to judge or criticize anyone or their honesty or credibility but only to point out facts that the township and its citizens should address in fairness and honesty.

Posted by kdnichols (Ken Nichols) on September 12, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The story was on Thorsby 's wet or dry issue. It had nothing to do
with city equipment being used on private property.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on September 12, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwgraves your stiring up something again. Its like the Fire Cheif deal in clanton. This kind of stuff has been going on for years. For a correction on your statement.!!! It takes about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hour to install a water meter correctly.
The mayors of all towns give favor's to certian ones.

Posted by travlr423 (anonymous) on September 12, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ken Nichols,
If you choose not to comment here that's fine, but i will comment on anything i think is appropriate or of importance to the general public. If my comment is inappropriate for public opinion the C.A. will make that conclusion. but thanks for your input it was very informing and of great value to everyone.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on September 13, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kwsgraves - it seems in every article written in the paper your such a professional about everything. My aunt was just like you no one could get along with her. If you have never tap a waterline and installed the corporation then the copper line onto the curbstop then dont remark on items you know nothing about. I run across people like you everyday and end up having to correct them on everything they know nothing about.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on September 14, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Your Close But No Cigar!! I Have Been A Job Supt and Project Manager on Several High Profile Projects Also. If it Burns Diesel Fuel I Can Operate it. I have always been tough I dont need to by a harley to or grow facial hair to make people think I am tough. I have owned motorcycles for 20 years or better. And these fancy words you read out of a book to try to impress other readers is just silly to me. I dont like to comment on many things but I have been watching your blog for a year now and It seemed no one would stand up and say anything. I am different. Matter of Fact I have worked installing Gas Line across the United States 72 inch at that. 96 inch storm pipe and Concrete culverts as big as your house. So you better get in line behind me buddy. I have forgot more than you will ever know about Pipelining.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on September 14, 2009 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh great! Now we get to find out who has laid the biggest pipe. Lovely.

Posted by RI_comment (anonymous) on September 14, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ok guys you heard it ...let's see those pipes

Posted by CrimusK8T (anonymous) on September 14, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Oh great! Now we get to find out who has laid the biggest pipe. Lovely."

Bwaha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on September 14, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have work with in the Union in the past but Not Now! I have worked with North Slope before, and Appalacian Pipeline too. Back in the early eighty's we installed a line up hwy 145 to sylacauga.

Posted by keenum4a (anonymous) on September 14, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

union

Posted by keenum4a (anonymous) on September 14, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cubscouts

Posted by CrimusK8T (anonymous) on September 15, 2009 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

UNION,when your father in law has been out of work for nearly a year.

Posted by keenum4a (anonymous) on September 15, 2009 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

because no one will hire union workers (general motors)