New ordinance restricts RV occupancy
By Melinda L. Lucas
A new ordinance governing occupancy of recreational vehicles (RVs) inside the Albany city limits was approved during the July 11 meeting of the Albany city council.
Council members also increased water and sewer tap rates.
Mayor pro tem Lester Galbreath conducted the meeting in the absence of Susan Montgomery.
RV Ordinance
City manager Billy Holson, after conferring with legal counsel Pat Chesser, recommended that an ordinance be adopted that will restrict citizens living in a “vehicular, portable structure” inside the city limits unless it is located in an approved RV park.
The ordinance does not apply to visitors temporarily parked at local residences or to unoccupied units stored at local homes, Holson said.
“We are not targeting hunters or visitors; this is to prevent RVs from being pulled up on property as long-term housing,” said Holson. “We already have an ordinance that no more than one family can be hooked up to the same utilities.”
The ordinance was approved on a motion by Lynsi Musselman, seconded by Austin Sherwood.
“I think some things need to be cleaned up, and you have to start somewhere,” said Holson.
Tap Fee Increase
The cost of new equipment for water and sewer taps have more than doubled since the rates were last increased in 2011, Holson said, who added that only four or five new water meters are installed each year and even fewer sewer taps.
He requested that the fees, which currently range from $1,050 to $2,050 depending on the size of the line, be increased by $400, or about 40 percent.
Sherwood made the motion, which passed unanimously.
Other Business
•The council approved the board of directors for the Albany Golf Course, including Sam Balliew, Charles Barrett, Bucky Nail, Randy Walker, James Waters, and Kennith Waters.
•Holson reviewed the financial report, commenting that fuel for the airport is up substantially, but there weren’t any other items “out of line.”
•The city manager said that he had hoped to get more street work done this summer, but asphalt is not readily available and a new supply will probably not be received until September.
