Wednesday, May 15, 2002
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Wednesday, May 15, 2002 |
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Candy throwing for July 4th parade up for debate Thursday
By JOHN
MUNFORD
A proposal to ban candy-throwing from floats in Peachtree City's July 4th parade will be discussed at a workshop tomorrow at 6 p.m. at City Hall. After the workshop, the City Council is slated to consider the matter during its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Under the proposal, candy and other freebies could still be thrown into the crowd during the parade just not from the floats. City officials are concerned about candy dropping onto the parade route that proves tempting to youngsters who scamper in the roadway to retrieve goodies. There were several close calls in last year's July 4th parade, including one occasion where a child scrambled under a moving fire engine to get candy, according to Fire Chief Stony Lohr. Council will also discuss a plan to provide an early retirement program for public safety employees. The program would allow firefighters and police officers with a minimum of 10 years of service to retire at age 55 since their jobs are dependent on their physical abilities. The estimated cost of the program is $300,000, which would be covered by the increase the city has received in its insurance premium tax revenues, recommends Finance Director Paul Salvatore. The program would also cover medical insurance premiums for public safety employees who choose to retire. The city would cover between 25 and 100 percent of the premium's cost based upon the employee's length of service with the city until the employee becomes eligible for Medicare. The council meets at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
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