LANDIS — The Board of Aldermen has decided to charge town employees a mileage fee if they drive a town vehicle home.
The charge was a topic of much debate at Tuesday's meeting, and the issue centered on soaring gas prices.
"It's not a pleasant thing. But we need to look at it now," Alderman Tony Hilton said.
He said only department heads should be allowed to drive home in town vehicles such as fire trucks, police cruisers and public works vehicles.After much discussion, the board agreed to require employees to pay 40 cents per mile if they drive from the city limits to home. The town would deduct the money from the employee's payroll check.
One idea was to park the vehicles either at the police department or at public works so they would be secured behind a fence.
"Someone could climb the fence. If one gets damaged, we're out," Alderman Roger Safrit said.
Mayor Dennis Brown mentioned another idea specific to the Police Department: Let officers who are not on duty park their vehicles and allow officers who work back-to-back days to take their vehicles home.Some of the officers who attended the meeting expressed concerns about the plan.
They said it would be difficult to respond to emergencies if they were not allowed to take the cruisers home. An officer would need to drive to the station, get a cruiser and then head to the emergency call, one of the officers said.
The issue of not allowing personnel to take vehicles home was first brought up at a previous meeting.
A special called meeting regarding the issue is scheduled Monday at 5 p.m. at 312 S. Main St. in the Town Hall council chambers.Noise ordinance
The board also called for a public hearing at its August meeting for a proposed noise ordinance.
The board has been struggling with the particulars to include in a noise ordinance. The Police Department took the town's current policy and combined it with policies from surrounding towns.
One of the major changes would prohibit excessively loud radio or stereo equipment at any time. The current policy says after 11 p.m.
Another change would disallow squealing tires, loud exhaust and excessively loud vehicle operation.
The amended policy would allow police to enforce the ordinance through civil citation, as they do with the alarm ordinance.
The proposed ordinance says, "by issuing a civil citation in lieu of a criminal citation, the defendant has the ability to pay the citation at the Police Department without being assessed the $120 court cost."
Proceeds from citation payments are kept by the town instead of the school district.
The next regular board meeting is Aug. 4.
Civil Citations vs. Criminal Citations : Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:03 AM
Why should police not issue civil citations? It saves money for the person cited (no court costs) and the fine money is retained by the town who in turn pays for the officer, his car, his fuel. If you think about it, it's very unfair that the money from criminal citations goes to the county schools. That means municipal residents are (by paying for city police) contributing more to the county schools than those who live outside city limits. This simply allows the town to recoup some of the money spent to maintain a police department.
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Fines FInes : Sunday, July 20, 2008 11:23 PM
I cannot believe Landis is going to civil citations in an attempt to raise money for the town. Can our city leaders be that desparate? How much are the fines? Car 54 if you want to get paid this week you better write 50 more civil citations. Is that a far fetched idea that a coversation like that could take place? Its already bad enough the officers will have to pay to keep driving a patrol car home. My only concern with the Police Dept is the issue of wives and girlfriends riding with officers. What is the liability to the town if one of these women gets in an accident or is shot. Policing even in a small town is dangerous. If they get into a felony chase, do they stop and let the rider out of the patrol car? Maybe it would be best to merge with Kannapolis since our fire dept spends most of its time there. Are we charging the City of Kannapolis for the diesel fuel we spend running down there several times a day. I have been told we go there 5 times to their 1 time to Landis. I say they owe us a ratio of 4 trips to our 1 to them. Now thats a savings. Stop letting Kannapolis make money off of us. Do we pay fireman for every trip to Kannapolis. If we do this could save money also. They have a Biotech Center and plenty of money. Let them foot the bill for their own fire protection.The Fire Chief/Town Adminstrator would never cut into his pet department. Its time for the citizens of this town to ask questions. Its time to stop being the East Spencer of Southern Rowan County
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The Real Reason : Sunday, July 20, 2008 11:26 AM
The Town of Landis has been mismanaged and is in finacial ruin. They are so desparate to save a dime they make fools of themselves...We better merge with China Grove or Kannapolis before its too late. Our taxes are going up. They have to because of the spending. We are all paying for Chief Linn's empire that the Mayor (Asst Fire Chief) or anybody else wont keep in check. If Landis Fire Dept didnt go to Kannapolis 2 to 3 times a day then we could show Landis Police the respect they deserve. Kannapolis is richer than we are. Let the pay the way for their fire protection, not us. I am concerned about the liability of having wives and girlfriends riding with police officers. What if there is a shootout or highspeed chase. Is the officer going to do his job or protect a wife or girlfriend. Look folks,that is a big liability to the town. If we are worried about $4.00 gas how are we gonna pay for this potential lawsiut. Quit thinking small. We are becoming the East Spencer of Southern Rowan County.
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Landis Board : Sunday, July 20, 2008 10:31 AM
IF the Landis Board members are paying any attention to any of this and I doubt they are, due to so few being willing to sign what they say.I wouldn't if I were them. I bet most of these called citizens comments are really employees crying about the free rides going away. At least CJ can see what they are trying to do, keep the money where it should be not burned up in free gasoline all over town.
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To the Landis Board : Saturday, July 19, 2008 4:56 PM
I really hope after all that has been said to you through these comments you will open your eyes. It's very clear unlike you on the board the people are very much in support of the Landis Police Department. These men and women work very hard to keep YOUR town safe. While your asleep at night, while your enjoying your holiday they are at work making sure law and order is kept. So I have to ask, is a gallon or less of gas that it takes them to get to and from work worth killing the morale? Support them and let them know you are glad they are working for your town because without them it would be a bad place.
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: Friday, July 18, 2008 10:47 PM
Boy, I'm glad I don't live in Landis.
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Landis Resident and voter!
Can't See : Friday, July 18, 2008 10:31 PM
The town employees should keep their heads up and held high. It's obvious the town leaders in Landis can't see what's in front of them. And they aren't to blame entirely. When you have your head that far up there, it's really hard to see anything. The objective here should have been the welfare of the citizens!
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A few Good Officers...will they go elsewhere? : Friday, July 18, 2008 7:09 PM
I personally think the police officers in Landis are top notch! Seeing as how they don't make "big bucks" and the price of gas is outrageous, that leads me to believe that those few good officers might just grab another opportunity that comes along where they are allowed to drive their cruisers home. I would hate to see such a good police department go downhill because of such a dumb decision. But who knows, maybe the replacements will be similar to those they hired in the past. Good luck morons!
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TiredOfYa
BuhBye : Friday, July 18, 2008 5:37 PM
I wish we could just kick Landis out of Rowan County. I am sick of all the freaking whiners.
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Trying to save a dollar for everyone !
Landis Employees - : Friday, July 18, 2008 5:02 PM
I think, (hope), what they are talking about, is, the misuse, and taking acvantage of, company vehicles. The comment about seeing a Landis vehicle at church seems to be misuse. Lets face it..... gas is HIGH !! I've driven a company vehicle for years ! But never once would I dream of taking it to the beach, or anywhere without permission, and paying for the gas for the trip there and back. I'm sure that every employee has their "special" deal when hired on, BUT, please use some common sense. A dollar here, a dollar there, starts to add up. ( at $4.00 a gallon)!! SO..... Landis employees with vehicles, please don't take advantage of it ! Just pay your own way when you know you should !!!! SIMPLE ENOUGH !!!
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C.J. Nickelson
We have enough war as it is!! : Friday, July 18, 2008 4:46 PM
As a lifetime resident of Landis, it really breaks my heart for people not to care about other people in this world we live in. I have run for Mayor and Alderman many times and wasn't elected. Did it anger me? NO, the fact of the matter is, that everyone I have ever ran against, I always made it very clear with this statement "WIN LOSE OR DRAW" I still want us to remain friends. I do not have to agree with what each of them vote for. But, at least I am man enough to be able to go to that person eye to eye and ask the reasoning behind the issue. Unless I am wrong, I can call each and every board member A FRIEND... So, for you cowards who won't put your signature at the end of your comment, keep them to yourself......... For the employees and the board members, KEEP YOUR HEADS HIGH!!
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: Friday, July 18, 2008 4:28 PM
The next time anyone sees Tony Hilton and his ideas floating around, quickly grab the toilet handle and flush him!!!
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new to Landis
new to Landis : Friday, July 18, 2008 4:01 PM
I haven't lived in Landis very long, but I have noticed a disturbing pattern. It seems Alderman Hilton loathes the police. His comments always seem negative, and sometimes derogatory. Wonder what skeletons are hiding in his closet that makes him so paranoid about police officers? I think that Landis is a nice small town, which is why I moved my family here. I don't mind paying taxes in Landis. They are cheaper than where I am from! I feel like my kids are safe to play outside here. To my family, it's worth every penny. I appreciate this town. Maybe some of the concerned residents should re-evaluate just where their priorities lie. Your continued safety-or a few bucks in gas-you chose. I know I will come election time.
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Concerned Town Employee : Friday, July 18, 2008 3:34 PM
Thanks for all the positive comments during this difficult decision making time
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: Friday, July 18, 2008 2:57 PM
I wonder if the fire chief/town manager who drives the chief's car ALL over the place has to pay this 40 cents per mile???? I've seen that car at a church on a Sunday morning and many other places. Yeah they might get a fire call while he is at church but what is that car going to do when it gets to a fire? Is he going to pee on it and put it out? And to the one who wrote about taking the fire trucks home.. come on, get real I don't think that's what they was talking about. As for the police department,I'm sure they don't go back in that much. I do know for a FACT that many times they have had emergency calls while on their way into work and being in the patrol let them go right to the scene instead of going and picking up the car. And I do know for a fact that while on their way in to work they have been coming by or near someone in need and assisted through mutual aid. If you was the one in need I am sure you would be glad for that officer being close with his tools. So to all thats against the police get your heads out of your butt so you can see the light of the real world.
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Questionable Leadership : Friday, July 18, 2008 2:39 PM
I have to wonder what people who are looking to move into this area are thinking when they see how this board is treating their employees. Probably "are they going to treat me (as a citizen) the same?" or "what's going to happen when my power goes out at midnight, are the employees going to care enough to come fix it?", or worse yet "what if I need a police officer or fire fighter?" Come on board, focus your energy on something constructive for a while.
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Worried Citizen : Friday, July 18, 2008 2:25 PM
I have to agree with some of the below post that stated this must affect morale. It seems the current board is trying to beat every town department down especially the police department. Aldermen, there is a breaking point to how much your employees are going to take until you will see a reduction in quality work and desire to be on the job. When was the last time anything nice was stated or done for any of our town employees? Oh wait, it seems this board is more worried about the all-mighty dollar and not with equal, fair treatment of the individuals who are serving our town. As a citizen of this town, I would like to continue receiving quality services from quality employees who want to be at work. Come on aldermen, treat your employees how you would want to be treated if you were in their shoes. To any Landis employees reading this, know that there are still citizens here that appreciate the work you do, even if the town board doesn't relay the same message.
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To: that smart thinker : Friday, July 18, 2008 1:37 PM
do you really think they are talking about driving fire trucks home? i seriously doubt it.
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: Friday, July 18, 2008 1:33 PM
You have got to be absolutely kidding me!!! I thank the good lord above for not letting me live within the confines of Landis. I have never encountered such moronic "leadership" as some of these bozos in charge are proposing. It seems that the police department is obviously looked down upon and extremely disrespected by not all, but several board members. I'm guessing there's probably a good reason for that, but that's a whole other discussion! To the police officers of Landis, I'm not a resident, but I, unlike some of your own,"leaders" appreciate every one of you and respect the job that you do. Keep your head up and keep up the good work.
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I forgot a line, That Smart Thinker
OH Yeah, : Friday, July 18, 2008 1:29 PM
Don't forget that SPELL CHECK and PROOF READING... It can be very helpful..
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That Smart Thinker!!!
What are people thinking?????? : Friday, July 18, 2008 1:26 PM
How many police officer(s) are on duty and already in town? When was the last time an officer had to return back to Landis to help in an emergency? Don't forget, they have China Grove for back-up as well as the Sheriff's department. Keep the cars and trucks in Landis. These boys and girls took the job they have knowning very well what the pay would be.. If they have had other high paying offers, why are they still here in the first place?? Have you checked to see how many miles per gallon a FIRE TRUCK gets??? But let them drive it home and back and the fire will double every two minutes.. You MUST look at the FACTS first... Remember, Still water runs deep, you better look before you leap.... Those who support taking cars and trucks home, bring your car(s) and let's use them...
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: Friday, July 18, 2008 1:24 PM
My guess is the employees probably got a 2 to 3% increase in pay this year. Now they just had that stripped from them as a result of this nonsense. You are now messing with these guys livelyhood and taking money from their wallets. I bet it feels real good going to work to protect a town that doesnt want you there in the first place. All this is because a couple of alderman have a problem with the police dept getting anything. So the police dept works with what they have got. It doesnt matter if it makes the working conditions dangerous or not. They have to deal with it. I myself went to the pd a couple days ago and seen the chief and a couple other officers building their own patrol room for their officers just to save money so they could have money for other things that are desperately needed. If you dont give these guys the tools to work with the citizens will be the ones hurting from this because of the lack of service. Let them keep their cars at their homes. Give them an incentive to want to come to work.
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Tax payer
: Friday, July 18, 2008 12:15 PM
Way to go Landis Board!!! Tell them no on everything and while your at it make them pay to come to work. Great way to keep the morale up!! I'm sure as in most police departments a take home car is part of the deal made when the job was offered. What would happen if an officer broke a deal that they made when they took the job? And to the person who wrote they have to pay to get to work, So do I but I make a lot more money than these men and women do and I would rather see a patrol car that my money paid for safe at someones house than left somewhere to get broke into or vandalized. If you remember not to long ago I think in Rock Hill SC they had police cars broke into and computers, radars, lights etc. stole and tires cut. To me much cheaper to buy a little gas because im sure they dont live all that far from the town.
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wow : Friday, July 18, 2008 11:53 AM
I agree paying 40 cents is crazy. It doesn't seem that it will be benificial to the town at all. It will result in the officers losing money from their paychecks, which they probably can't aford anyway considerin gtheir low pay anyway. I also can't believe that someone would call safrit a pet alderman, I mean come on, he fights for something thats right. Why is the world so anti police? My only guess is there are alot of criminals out there, even on the board of alderman. Namely hilton.
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concerned citizen : Friday, July 18, 2008 10:24 AM
i think this is nonsense, these people are already under payed as is and are required to be called in at anytime, i would be more likely not to come back into help knowing i had to pay 40 cents a mile, whoever came up with this idea is a real idiot, he and allen welter should open their own town called idiotville, nc
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Tired of the free ride
Free Rides : Friday, July 18, 2008 8:38 AM
I bet the PD enjoyed having their pet Alderman trying to save the free rides for them. We have to pay alot to go back and forth to work let them pay too.
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