City votes for 'Code Red' system
By Melissa Burnsed

Last week’s water main rupture and subsequent boil water alert in the City of Macclenny revealed a glaring deficiency in the emergency notification system. Even though the break was repaired by 10 am, many residents were unaware of the situation and possible contamination of the local water supply. Early risers and those heading out to Sunday morning services missed the only advisories which were broadcast on Jacksonville television stations.

"One restaurant put up a sign that said city water contaminated and people were panicked. There were rumors that it was done by someone with chemicals or something. People didn’t know what was going on," said Fire Chief Buddy Dugger.

In order to alleviate the communication problem, city staff have been looking for a solution to notifying area residents. City Internet Technician Marshall Mann researched the project and found that 35 percent of the counties in Florida are using the CODE RED Alert System.

It is an automated computer phone call system that can call up to 1,000 residents per minute and deliver a recorded message or alert. In addition the system can be linked to the city’s web site and allow customers to interact. The system can be programmed to contact the entire city grid on just homes within a certain boundary.

The city council plans on contracting with Emergency Communications Network to implement their system locally. They offered a quote of $5,000 for one year of service. Prior to implementing the contract, Mann will check with NEFCOM to insure that their will be no problems with the local telephone utility system.

"This system will be priceless during emergency situations. We will be able to instantly let our people know what is going on," said City Manager Gerald Dopson.

In other business the council discussed possible new drainage projects on the Southeast side of town. A handful of resident have questioned the city manager about storm water projects. He took a tour of the area with City Engineer Frank Darabi and they came to the conclusion,

"That the area is in pretty good shape and well maintained. We would likely do more harm than good," he said. Instead Dopson suggested looking into a grant to fund new drainage work on Linda Street, near the new homes built in the area.

The council approved the first reading of Land Use Change Ordinances that will permit approximately 14 acres of land along US 90 East to become commercial medium mixed use property. Property owners Joe Bryant and Evelyn T. Barber along with Gary B. Barber have plans that would allow a new PUD retail development on the property that backs up to the Cypress Point subdivision.

Several homeowners appeared to express concerns about the possible encroachment into their residential area. Dopson was able to appease those concerns by answering questions about what was stipulated and allowed in the PUD development agreement.