WESTSIDE LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

— Editor,

Today, I learned that this ordinance was discussed five years ago, but the council hadn’t moved on it. Last week I learned that this ordinance is going into effect next May.

Two weeks ago, I heard this ordinance will cost the businesses $200 each.

I’m real disgusted because not one individual ever approached me for my opinion or asked how I felt about giving over my store key to the fire marshal or the fire department to put into a locked key box attached to my building - just in case of a fire - or if I could or would afford it. I think it is ridiculous and unnecessary.

Oh, I wonder if that $200 is a one-time or annual charge.

I’ve been in business nearly 30 years on Main Street. In all or any of those years, there has never been any interest expressed by any city official whether my building burned or not. And, as of this date, I have not been personally informed of this “new ordinance,” which makes me believe they don’t care how the merchants feel about this, so I’m expressing it publicly. Had I been asked, I would have said therewould not be any problem with the fire department breaking through the windows if the need ever did arise.

The concern over a key box with my store key in it is great. The vacuum machine out on the highway was removed for the quarters. ATM machines have been removed with log chains, and lately the news is that the newspaper boxes have been stolen for the quarters. So, why would my key be safe from theft?

In regard to the cost, last winter, American Merchants just took $125 out of my checking account so that I could become compliant to the new charge card company’s policy. The electric company gave me notice that I will now pay an additional $25 per month on the prorated plan. The water rates are increasing. I could go on with this! I’m not sure how many council members own their own businesses, but considering the stressed economy, this puts an added burden on many.

Speaking of many, I’m wondering how many businesses will be included under this $200 key-box ordinance. Probably all that are within the city limits.

It would have been considerate if the key-box ordinance would have been introduced as an option.

You don’t suppose the next ordinance the council passes will say I have to put a key box on my residence, do you?

Marsha Bland Twice but Nice Shop Gentry

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Editor’s Note: The ordinance requiring businesses to install key boxes - also called Knox boxes because approved key boxes were maufactured by the Knox Company - was passed by the Gentry City Council on April 3, 2006 (Ordinance No. 06-587). It required all newly constructed business buildings and major remodels - renovations with an estimated cost of 25 percent or more of the estimated new cost of the business structure - to install the lock boxes at the time of construction or remodel but allowed a 5-year grace period to have the boxes installed on exisiting business structures. The ordinance requires all Gentry businesses to have approved key boxes in place by May 1, 2011.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 09/22/2010