CHAFFEE'S OUTGOING MAYOR CITES CITY'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CHAFFEE -- Incoming mayor Bill Cannon "knows what's going on," said Ron Moyers, Chaffee's mayor for the past eight years who will give up his seat Monday night.

Cannon, a council member the past six years, won the April 4 election by a 3-2 margin over former mayor Bob Capshaw. Moyers didn't filed for re-election.

"The transition period should be easy," said Moyers, who's discussed city business a few times with Cannon since the election.

"I've made him aware of some behind-the-scenes stuff relating to personnel and matters on the state level that might affect our city."

Moyers said he has confidence in Cannon, who's been an advocate of asking whether city projects would benefit all residents.

"Bill has a good level head," Moyers said. "I admire the way he studies problems and doesn't make snap decisions. He's been solid with his decisions as a council member."

Moyers said the industrial park and bringing the Columbia Sportswear factory to Chaffee were his biggest accomplishments.

"The park was only a bean field from the time it was purchased until 1987," Moyers said. "Anyone driving by the industrial park now can see we have two businesses there and several more acres available."

An MFA farm fertilizer facility recently opened in the industrial park, along Highway 77 on the northwest side of town.

Chaffee was also fortunate to get a nursing home by Americare Corp. within the last eight years, Moyers said.

He's been pleased with the home's contribution to the area.

Moyers said he has always considered himself and the council as a partnership to benefit the city's residents.

The biggest priority in the last few years has been the street overlay project, Moyers said, adding that the city has spent about $50,000 a year on the work. That project will be completed this year, freeing money for sidewalk repair and continuing street maintenance.

The fire department has been improved with better training and equipment, Moyers said, adding that a new fire truck chassis will be delivered this summer.

Water service has improved after new plastic lines from the mains to the water meters replaced galvanized pipe.

Starting with a sledge and a shovel eight years ago, the city has upgraded its equipment to include a backhoe, jackhammer and mobile compressor, a trenching and boring machine, a dump truck to replace a 1962 model and a sewer cleaner.

Moyers said he and the council have had a sense of direction through the years. Being a former council member helped his understanding of what was needed and that will also help Cannon.

He said he only vetoed one item over the years, but the council had overridden his veto.

He thinks the council did a good job deliberating on ordinances, taking several months to discuss fences, mobile homes and vicious dogs before enacting new regulations.

A disappointment during his tenure was the hospital closing in late 1990, Moyers said. He thinks residents tried their best to stop that, which he called inevitable.

The last 18 months have been the most difficult, Moyers said. He cited a pending lawsuit in federal court over alleged civil rights violations and the December burglary of city hall. He said it's been difficult to stay reasonable at times when others are acting unreasonably.

"We've had some difficulties through the years," Moyers said. "But I feel most were worked out to everyone's satisfaction. I've had some good council members to work with."