Council takes action on golf cart safety, fire tools

The Albany City Council held its regular meeting Monday, June 16 at the Aztec Theater, addressing a full agenda that included safety concerns, public works updates, and new fire department needs.

Council members opened with praise for the city’s prompt cleanup following recent storms, noting the quick removal of fallen trees and debris. However, a recurring issue dominated the discussion—golf carts being operated by children without supervision. Several members expressed frustration and concern over repeated incidents, including near-collisions. The council announced that Police Chief Mike House will begin issuing citations to parents of children caught driving.

Fire Chief Joel Viertel reported on recent training efforts and equipment needs. The department has been conducting biweekly mock structure fire drills and brought in TEEX trainers to assist with emergency preparedness, including electric vehicle fires and pump operations. Viertel received approval for the purchase of three new sets of bunker gear for interior firefighters, totaling $9,192. He also proposed replacing outdated hydraulic rescue tools with lighter, safer models, noting a significant reduction in weight with comparable strength. Council instructed Viertel to obtain two additional bids before moving forward with that purchase.

The council unanimously approved a 5 percent increase in solid waste rates, citing the need to offset rising costs and maintain street repair funds impacted by heavy waste trucks. Council also approved a request to fund the plugging of an abandoned well located on EDC property in a new subdivision. The EDC will cover the full cost of the project, estimated at $15,500.