Fox Chase looking over what firm to hire for snow removal

 FOX CHASE - One week after the November general election, the Fox Chase City council plowed through to the business of snow removal.

Mayor William Broughton said he had contacted three potential clients for city snow removal, two of which offered bid information.

One driver, Justin Ross, offered one truck at a cost of $25 per hour.

Another driver, Craig Stump, owned three trucks, two of which could be available to the city. Cost was $90 per hour per truck.

Both drivers included the same cost for salt, currently priced at 32 cents per pound.

Broughton said both drivers were willing to perform one snow removal for the city, allowing the council to determine which driver would be permanently hired.

In other business:

- The city is budgeting money for purchase of a new city computer.

The city's current computer is over six years old, Broughton said, adding that an upgrade was overdue.

City clerk Ricki Daniels will use the computer to maintain items such as city tax records and ordinances, as well as website maintenance.

Resident Sandy Higgins asked if the computer would be used only for Fox Chase official business.

Daniels, who also works as city clerk for Pioneer Village and Hunters Hollow, said she has a separate computer for each city and only Fox Chase items would be allowed on the specific computer.

Daniels estimated costs for the upgrades at around $500.

- Resident Ted Judd made a request that a copy of the meeting's minutes and financial report be made available to those in attendance.

Broughton said the minutes and financial statements were public record. He said anyone presenting a written request would receive a copy.

Broughton introduced and congratulated new council members in attendance at the meeting.

The new members, including Rocky Comito, Mike Higgins, Sandy Osborne, Lois Whitis and David Selby, will officially begin duties Jan. 1, 2013.

Broughton also thanked departing council members for their services to the city. They include James Hall, William Winbun, Loretta Napier, Wayne Muscar and Philip Puckett.

Current council member Owen Taylor will remain active.

- Broughton thanked Fox Chase citizens who assisted with recent public events.

He mentioned numerous residents and council members who assisted at the Zoneton Fire Department's annual trick-or-treat event Oct. 31.

Broughton also thanked Comito, Higgins and Puckett for assisting with the north end's annual stream walk in October.

- The December council meeting will be held at Becknell Hall in the city of Pioneer Village.

According to Broughton, Jewish Hospital Medical Center South's meeting room will not be available on that date.

Broughton thanked Pioneer Village mayor Gary Hatcher for allowing use of the city's facilities for the meeting.

The meeting will include the annual Fox Chase Christmas dinner. All residents are invited. Anyone wishing to assist with food or other items may contact the city, 957-6503 or 955-9593, for more information.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.