New sex offender policy adopted; utilities supervisor resigns
Speed bumps, traffic light with camera considered by council Monday
BY QUINTEN BOYD

The Alto City Council passed a new sex offender ordinance at their monthly meeting on July 14. The ordinance states that no sex offender can live within 1,000 feet of any place where children congregate, such as schools.

Police Chief Charles Barron assured the council that no registered sex offenders currently live in the city limits.

"There are none in the city," Chief Barron said. "This is strictly a local measure. We don't have any in Alto, but we want to have a plan already in place."

The council accepted the resignation of Brandon Tyer as utilities supervisor. Mr. Tyer, who has held the position since Jan. 23, cited job stress as his reasons for resignation.

"The job's just a little more than I thought I could handle," Mr. Tyer said.

The council complimented the job that Mr. Tyer had done as supervisor and voted to keep him on as interim supervisor until the position can be filled. At that point, he will return to his previous position as foreman.

The council also heard a report from Carl Pennington, who suggested purchasing new chlorinators for Mill Pond. The motion was passed unanimously.

An ordinance to improve water well control was also passed. The ordinance is designed to keep anything that could seep into the water system, such as feedlots and septic systems, away from city water wells.

The council heard several motions relating to road safety in the city of Alto. They passed motions to put up two signs - No Thru Trucks and Children at Play - on Putnam Street between State Highways 294 and 21.

"Some people have no respect for that area," Councilman Earl Clark said.

Council members also voted to write a letter to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) requesting a study for a red light and camera at State Highway 21 and U.S. Highway 69.

The council tabled discussion on placing speed bumps on some Alto city streets until the next meeting so council members may give opinions on which streets will benefit.

The council also tabled discussion on an animal control ordinance until next month. The ordinance will give more protection to police officers who have to protect themselves against attacks by pets during the completion of their duties.

Attending the meeting were Mayor Annie Walker, Councilmen Clark, Randy Selman, Robert Pearman, Kenneth Brethouwer, Monty Collins, and City Secretary Hattie Hamilton.