DODGE CITY – The Dodge City Town Council welcomed two special guests to its latest meeting- Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Phyllis Little and Executive Director of the First Source for Women pregnancy center, Catherine Bethell.
Little addressed the council about the EMA’s newly-issued emergency evacuation plans in the event of a catastrophic failure of Smith Lake Dam. The research for the plans concluded that a dam disaster would only minimally affect Dodge City, and the only changes residents were likely to see would be increased flow in streams and tributaries.
Continuing her trek across the county to speak to all municipalities about First Source for Women, Bethell discussed the many benefits and opportunities the center provides: parenting classes, baby supplies, prenatal medical work, assistance with insurance, help for domestic abuse and referrals to many different specialists and organizations that can help meet clients’ needs on a closer level. At the end of the presentation, Mayor Tawana Canada invited Bethell to set up an exhibit at the annual Dodge City Day celebration, which will take place on the second Saturday in June.
The council voted to submit its annual municipal water pollution permit.
The council called on the fire department and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. David Nunn to give their reports. The fire department had nothing new; however, Nunn addressed shoplifting from a local store and recent incidents of domestic violence.
In miscellaneous items, Canada expressed relief that Good Hope’s Doss Bridge has been re-opened, and she stated that a load inspector would come by soon to assess the repair needs for Dodge City’s own bridge.
Canada presented a proposal she received to build a motel in town, with a plan for 50 to 60 rooms. Nunn was not enthusiastic and expressed worries about unsavory characters who might try to take up residence.
The last item was a reminder about breakfast with Cullman County Sheriff Gentry at the Dodge City Jack's on Friday, March 31 at 7:30 a.m. On that note, the council adjourned.
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