By Holly Fesperman LeeSalisbury Post
GRANITE QUARRY ó Granite Quarry aldermen voted Monday to implement a new position that they hope will provide more security in the town’s three parks.
Board members voted unanimously to create a park ranger position that will also serve as a maintenance assistant.
Town manager Dan Peters explained that the town will hire two or three people to fill this part-time position. The person will be an authority figure in the parks, and Peters said he would investigate to see if the ranger could possibly enforce the town ordinances and write citations. Any actual arrests that needed to be made would be handled through the Granite Quarry Police Department. The ranger will have direct contact with the police and fire departments at all times.
In addition to providing park security, the park ranger/maintenance assistant will be responsible for mowing, weed eating and assisting with yard debris pick up.
Aldermen also voted to approve a new set of fees for reserving the town’s picnic shelters to help fund the park ranger position.
Those reserving the shelters at Granite Lake or Civic Park will pay a $25 fee to rent the shelter, with an additional $15 kitchen fee for the shelter at Civic Park. There will also be a $10 refundable deposit for the key to these shelters.
A public hearing was also held Monday to discuss changing some of the town ordinances regarding parks.
The Parks and Recreation Committee proposed adding to the section of the ordinance regarding dogs in the park to read that all dogs must be cleaned up after. Aldermen approved the addition unanimously.
The committee also proposed changing the ordinance to ban bike riding inside town parks.
During the public hearing, one of the town police officers, A.J. Pietromaitire, said she was against allowing bicycles in the park. She said she thought bike riders would result in more calls for the police department because of problems with walkers. Pietromaitire based most of her concern on the size of the parks; speaking specifically about Granite Lake Park she said, “I just think that the path isn’t meant to accommodate bicycles.” Allowing bicycles might open up a new set of problems involving skateboards and other similar equipment, she said.
The town’s fire chief, David Morris, had a different opinion.
He told aldermen he supported bikes in the town parks because they are public parks and children need a safe place to ride their bicycles. According to Morris, riding in the park is much safer than the streets and neighborhoods, where children may have to contend with traffic.
Morris said he would definitely support bicycles in the park under parental supervision.
Aldermen voted to leave the ordinance as is and allow bike riding in the parks.
Aldermen also voted to approve three other ordinance changes proposed by the parks and recreation committee. It is now unlawful to use offensive or vulgar language in the parks and it is unlawful to pollute the lake at Granite Lake Park in any way. Fishing will be allowed in Granite Lake Park starting next spring, but patrons may only fish from the lower pier. All fish will be catch and release only.
Also during Monday’s meeting:
– Aldermen announced that National Night Out will be tonight from 6 to 8. Everyone is invited to enjoy hot dogs with all the trimmings, Cheerwine and games. National Night Out is a time for the police department to introduce themselves to residents and educate them on the programs the department has to offer.
– Aldermen approved the final plat for Granville Subdivision. The 14-home subdivision is proposed near West Bank Street.
– Granite Fest will be Sept. 8. Deputy Town Clerk Susan Closner said she was getting good response from vendors this year.