The Brookhaven Board of Aldermen approved an updated ordinance on abandoned motor vehicles during its recent meeting.

The current ordinance prohibits leaving unattended vehicles on the streets of the city for an extended period — specifically, “not more than two weeks” after notification by the police department. The new ordinance shortens that period to 72 hours. 

“Several aldermen have asked about trailers in driveways, 18 wheelers and motor homes parked in yards and streets,” City Inspector David Fearn said. “They’ve had complaints from residents.”

Once the owner of the vehicle has been notified he or she must move the vehicle, the city can have it towed and impounded after 72 hours if it has not been moved. The owner will be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined, plus pay a towing fee.

When asked if a person could simply move the vehicle a few feet and that be legally considered “moved,” City Inspector David Fearn said, “I cannot answer that question.”

The board also voted to adopt an updated zoning ordinance which would, in part, limit the number of mobile homes allowed to be located on one property. The updated ordinances and a public hearing will be advertised to allow resident and property owner input. If there are no objections to the proposed ordinances, they will go into effect after 30 days.

 

In other business, the board:

• Approved a one-year anniversary increase for Johnny Smith, a CDL driver in the Street Department, from $11.94 to $12.94 per hour.
• Approved a one-year anniversary increase for April Williford, Privilege License Clerk, from $13.24 to $14.24 per hour.
• Approved the hire of Aaron Love as a part-time non-certified police officer, pending drug test and physical.
• Approved the hire of Jadarrius Granberry as a part-time non-certified police officer, pending drug test and physical.
• Approved the move of Omarius Bryant from full-time police officer to part-time.
• Approved the hire of Jahmal Magee as a laborer in the Street Department, pending drug test and physical.
• Appointed Doris Joiner to the Brookhaven Housing Authority to replace David Williams. 
• Approved the hire of James Williams as a laborer in the Street Department, pending drug test and physical.