Commission Discusses Wilkerson Creek Issues
by Ashley Murphy

Monday, May 17, 2010

The County Commission held a voting session at 10 a.m. this morning, however, only one item was on the agenda to be held for a vote. The commission unanimously approved a resolution put forth by Mayor D. Gary Davis to adopt the updated Five-Year Strategic Economic Development Plan. This is a joint plan with efforts contributed by Bradley, Charleston and Cleveland. It includes many factors that each entity hopes will bring economic development and growth to the area.

County Attorney Joe Byrd presented the commission paperwork for Leads Online, which had been discussed in a previous work session. The program will help to better track any potentially stolen goods resold at pawn shops or secondhand stores. After review, the commission will be able to vote on the program at the next voting session on June 7th at 7 p.m.

Commissioner Lisa Stanbery requested information on flooding and water issues on Michigan Avenue and in Royal Oaks due to Wilkerson Creek. Byrd stated that he has done much research involving this matter, and to date has seen no indication, through a third party involved, that there is an illicit discharge or human waste being streamed into the creek. Also, beavers in the creek causing some back up, which brings in mosquitoes, are not the property owner's (mobile home park owner) responsibility. The small dam that has been created is a natural act of beavers and due to their impact on wetlands they cannot be removed. Eventually, a loop-hole could be found in order to move the beavers out of this creek. More information will be given at next week's work session.

The County Finance Committee will meet Wednesday at noon in the Mayor's Conference Room.

The County Commission will meet again at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 24th in the Commission Room of the Bradley County Courthouse for a work session.