Goodman City Council Approves Tasers For Police Force

The Goodman City Council on Tuesday night unanimously voted to purchase a taser package to give additional tools to the police force.

Aldermen considered two different packages but opted to approve one that offers two tasers for $3,052. Payments of $420 are then paid each year. At the fifth-year mark, the company ships two of the most up-to-date tasers and the customer is able to keep a total of four tasers.

A recent altercation with a person resisting arrest prompted discussion about purchasing the tasers. Two police officers were injured in the incident.

The board also approved two batons, at the cost of $120, for police officers.

In other business, the council decided to possibly place a use tax vote on the April 2019 ballot, rather than the August 2018 ballot. By waiting to place the issue on the April 2019, the city will save a great deal of money, said city clerk Karla McNorton.

The use tax, if approved by Goodman residents, could help with infrastructure needs but will not cost citizens any additional money.

Other business included an agreement to put out for bid a new gazebo for Main Street. The previous gazebo was damaged during last year's tornado.

Aldermen also approved, on the first reading only, two ordinances. The first, Ordinance No. 2018-497, puts into place a policy regarding adjustments that can be made due to high water usage.

The second, Ordinance No. 2018-498, officially recognizes the adoption of all ordinances from the previous year. Both ordinances will be read on the second reading at the next city council meeting.

During the citizens' business portion of the meeting, Connie Letourneau asked how the city planned to control its stray animal problem. She said police officers don't have the time to round up animals in the city, and asked if she could volunteer to patrol and pick up the animals.

Council members said the problem is an ongoing one, and those animals that roam around usually do not have a collar or a tag. They agreed that police officers do not have the time to devote to rounding up stray animals.

Mayor Greg Richmond said some of the animals on the loose are actually owned by people who live right outside the city limits, and those animals roam in and out of Goodman.

One gentleman in attendance said matters could be taken into the hands of individuals and said people may have to be vigilantes.

Letourneau left the meeting, saying when the issue would be taken seriously, she would return to discuss it. She said she only needed one week to take control of the stray animal problem.

In other business, city supervisor David Brodie reported that many volunteers helped paint, clean up and weld at the Goodman ballpark last Saturday, preparing for the youngsters to kick off the ball season.

The city's spring cleanup will take place on Thursday, May 17.

General News on 05/03/2018