Matt Flumerfelt
LAKE PARK — At Tuesday’s meeting of the Lake Park City Council, all the incumbents were sworn in for another term. None of Lake Park’s city officials were opposed for office during November’s election, said City Clerk Ann Peterson, which simplified the swearing in process. Councilman Eric Schindler was returned as Mayor Pro-Tem.
Following a brief executive session to discuss personnel, Police Chief Bert Rutland was voted another term as police chief until the last day in April, at which time, he plans to retire. By that time, the council plans to adopt a new retirement contract that compensates city employees at a higher rate once they retire, Peterson said.
Lake Park City Attorney Rob Plumb, City Court Judge Carlos Rodgers, the fire chief, patrolmen, maintenance crew and other officials were also maintained in their current positions.
The council discussed having the city ordinances updated by the Municipal Code Corporation. The ordinances have not been updated since 1989, said Councilman Schindler, and the council agreed unanimously to go ahead with the update despite the cost, agreeing that it is long overdue. Total cost for organizing, analyzing and publishing Lake Park’s city ordinances is estimated at $4,410 according to councilman Jeff Spradley.
Council discussed what should be done about damage to a local citizen’s driveway by the roots of a tree that is half on city property and half on her property. City Attorney Rob Plumb said that the city is not strictly liable for the damage to her property because her driveway is an easement that crosses the city’s right of way. It would be a different situation, Plumb said, if the tree were dead and in danger of falling on her house than “a normal tree sitting there doing normal tree things.”
Councilman Schindler suggested they look into the matter and discuss it with the property owner so they don’t make a decision that reflects badly on the city. They also don’t want to set a precedent whereby the city becomes liable for damages that should remain the responsibility of the property owners themselves, Schindler said.
Lake Park City Council meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Park City Hall at 120 N. Essa St. For more information, visit www.cityoflakeparkga.com or call (229) 559-7470.
