Town puts brakes on ATV rule

ATV's and signs were topics for the Bainbridge Town Council Wednesday evening.

Town Marshall Rodney Fenwick asked the board to consider placing age limits for those riding All Terrain Vehicle's (ATV) in town. This is in response to the county's recent approval to allow ATV's on public roadways.

Local resident Crystal Parent commented, "Wave runners and snowmobile riders have to be 16 years or older. Why not make it that way?"

Fenwick voiced his concern for youngsters being injured in car/ATV accidents. After several minutes of discussion between residents and the council, it was agreed to follow the recommendations of the county until other determinations become necessary.

Replacing the sign outside the community building was tabled for the third time as Council President Mike Smith asked to have a Danville sign company make a presentation explaining what the town is getting for $1,100 to replace the old sign.

"I just don't want to spend $1,100 of the town's money on this sign," he stated. Other board members asked if they could find someone locally to do the work for less.

This led to a discussion about a new sign donated to the center by the Bainbridge Improvement Society (BIS) mounted on the side of the building advertising events and personal messages. The matter was tabled until the Danville sign company makes a presentation.

In other business, the council:

* Adopted the 2008 town budget.

* Approved the first reading of the town ordinance on rates and charges of the municipal electrical utility. Rates are increasing for the first time since July 11, 1989.

* Approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing an employee handbook policy on travel expenses.

* Heard the Utility Board had approved the purchase of a new lawn mower.

* Asked Town Clerk Jason to check with the school regarding placing a fence around the basketball court between school and park.

* Were informed that the health insurance company used by town for employees is going out of business at end of month and staff are looking at other companies for insurance.

* Tabled snow emergency parking until next month when council members can make a recommendation to Smith.

* Learned a new two-story, three-bedroom duplex is being built in town, with plans for two more next year and two in 2009.

The Bainbridge Town Council meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Bainbridge Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.