Planning on building a fence? A permit is required from the City

Cathy and I skipped town last week. In fact, we skipped the state. Cathy had some fun. Me not as much.  You see, every February, the American Hospital Association has an annual conference just for rural hospitals. This year it was in San Antonio, Texas. So, since I am a trustee at our Weiser Memorial Hospital, I try to go to these conferences as often as possible. Attending gives a person a chance to find out what is going on outside of the walls of our local hospital, get the big picture, and expand the perspective. When making decisions that affect the health care that is available here in Weiser, it is important to get as much and as accurate of information as possible to make quality decisions. One of the things I learned early in my banking career was that your judgment can only be as good as your information. And so, conferences such as this are invaluable.

 Getting involved with the hospital has been a great experience. I have learned so much and have had the privilege of meeting very interesting professionals and employees. It has been a life-enriching experience. 

 Most of you reading this column are probably involved in activities or organizations outside of the four walls of your home. If you are, you know what I am talking about. 

 If you are not, and are able to, I would highly recommend that you find a place that you can plug in and serve others. It will make your life more interesting and rewarding. You will learn things you never thought about before and rub elbows with people who become new friends.

 And besides, one of the things I learned at a past conference is that it will also improve your health and life expectancy.  So, you see, your life depends on it.

 Now on to City business.

 Dave Loos, the building inspector, would like to remind everyone who is thinking about putting up a fence that a building permit is required. He is starting to see some going up unpermitted. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the fence is constructed well and with acceptable materials. Without a permit, the fence may be required to come down. So please, see Dave before you begin your fencing project. The charge is negligible and may save you money and headaches in the long run.

 Also, Wayne Wallace in the electrical department would like you to know that his guys are continuing to change out electrical meters. This is a citywide project that takes a considerable amount of time, which is why I mention this every few weeks. If you see a couple of guys in your backyard with construction vests, electrical gear, and City identification around their neck, they are there to upgrade your service. Please treat them kindly.

 Timbra Long, our wonderful librarian, would like you to “Flock to the Library” this Friday, March 7, at 6 p.m. Why? The Friends of the Library are trying to do something about affordable housing – for the birds that is. The Friends have an assortment of wonderfully decorated birdhouses that will be auctioned to raise money for the Weiser Public Library. If this is anything like past Friends of the Library fundraisers you will want to attend. I’ll even bet there will be cookies.

 And last but not least, Ron McDaniel from the street department would like you to know that the guys have started street sweeping for the season. Spring must be here. If possible, please park your cars off the street so that the street sweeper can make a clean sweep of your street. 

 Well, that’s it for this week. Who needs robins to tell you that spring has arrived when you have street sweepers. Have a great week!