White Bluff council makes only minor changes to policy for fund-raising roadblocks

The White Bluff Town Council made very few changes following a review of its roadblock policy. At last week’s town council meeting, Vice Mayor Todd Hamilton presented an amended policy following a request by Mayor Linda Hayes that the policy be reviewed. Hamilton said a model ordinance from the Municipal Technical Advisory Service was not substantially different from White Bluff’s current ordinance and that concerns over liability for the town are addressed in state statute’s that protect municipalities. Hamilton proposed adding a permit application that charitable organizations wishing to hold a roadblock must complete and said that permits will not be transferrable to another organization. The amendment proposed limiting roadblocks to 7 am-noon on Saturdays, but several council members said they would like to keep Sundays available as well. All participants must wear safety vests and identification and the organization must post signage at the intersection identifying for what the roadblock is being held. Roadblocks are limited to 501c3 non-profit organizations with a few exemptions for churches, schools, volunteer fire departments and youth athletic organizations. Councilwoman Stephanie Murrell asked that animal rescue groups be added to the organizations allowed under exemptions. The amended ordinance passed last week on first reading and will face a second and final vote in March.