The Italy City Council recognized Amber R. Mitchell, a graduating senior at Italy High School, Monday evening at its monthly meeting.

Mitchell received a $500 scholarship from David Ingram with DCI Sanitation.

Ingram said Mitchell did a great job on an essay they asked interested seniors to write regarding “going green.”

Ingram said Mitchell did a great job and hoped everyone in the community would heed the words of her essay.

In other business, council members spent a great deal of time in discussion with Ingram regarding the use of a double axle trash truck on city streets.

Ingram explained that in order to get trash picked up in the single axle truck in a reasonable time, he needed the assistance of a double axle truck going down a few city streets.

Mark Souder Sr., council member, raised concerns about the weight of a double axle truck on city streets and said the contract was approved for single axle trucks only.

Dean Carrell, public works director, said the single axle trash truck takes a toll on the city streets.

Continuing, Souder said that as stewards of the city’s money, they cannot afford to allow double axle trucks to damage the streets any more than they already have.

Ingram said he currently runs the double axle trucks in the cities of Garrett, Alma, Milford and Palmer.

Mayor Frank Jackson said they cannot afford to tear up city streets. He said they must take care of the streets.

Ingram said that if they cannot use the double axle truck down College Street, Harris Street and a portion of South Ward Street then they would no longer pick up excess trash for citizens. He said they would only pick up the 96-gallon container of trash and a 30-gallon trash container.

The council did allow, in a motion approved by all members, to allow the double axle truck to turn onto College Street at FM 667, turn left at Seay Street, turn left on South Ward Street and follow that road to Stafford Road. The truck will be allowed to go down Stafford Road to Dilworth Street. From Dilworth, the truck can go south to Harris Road.

Following another lengthy discussion regarding an ordinance restricting truck traffic and establishing truck routes, the council tabled the item until Teri Murdock, city administrator, can get questions answered from the city attorney.

The council also tabled a plat approval from Mt. Gilead Baptist Church for an addition to the church. Questions arose about the easement locations that council members wanted addressed.

They approved a plat for Family Dollar Store that will be located behind Mansell’s Grocery.

Carrell said the city will add a new sewer lift station at that location. The firm will be providing the materials. The city will only be out the cost for labor.

In other business, C.V. Johns, police chief, Carrell and Murdock presented department reports.

Johns said the police department received 107 calls to service during April; made five arrests and worked a total of 1,653.25 hours. The animal control officer worked 67.25 hours and picked up 13 animals during April. The code enforcement officer issued four courtesy letters. The municipal court received 451 citations by the police department, issued 100 collection letters and cleared six warrants.

Murdock said Tuesday is the final day to vote early in city and school elections. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

She said voters are being asked to approve one-quarter of one percent revenue to repair city streets. Voters approved this revenue in 2007 and must approve every four years.

Murdock said the police chief is retiring and said they have received 49 resumes within two weeks.

They council also approved minutes from the previous meeting, bills and earned compensatory time.