By Ed Martin, Editor

Lemoore City Council members will meet Tuesday night in a joint session with the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in an effort to discuss “topics of interest” for both parties. According to a council staff report, there are a number of areas in which the two parties can work together.

For example, topics may include, but not be limited to, raising the Transient Occupancy Tax, city signage, promoting Lemoore to potential business opportunities, new technology, encouraging and developing existing empty storefronts into vital businesses, and the importance of creating a “sense of community” via successful community events.

City Council December 1 Agenda

In other items on Tuesday’s agenda, city officials will consider updating the town’s emergency response trailer, which hasn’t been updated since 1993. It’s so outdated it’s not even being used in emergencies. City staffers are asking for new items such as safety supplies, equipment, traffic control signs, hand and power tools, sewer specific equipment like hoses and other miscellaneous things to place in the trailer.

The cost of the new equipment will be paid for through the city’s sewer fund and will cost about $25,600. Staff is also asking for a tri-pod and life line system in the amount of $4,400.

The council will also be asked to purchase a new BMW police motorcycle and the equipment needed to maintain it. In June, a Lemoore officer was broadsided while attempting to make a traffic stop. He was not hurt in the incident, but his motorcycle sustained major damage. The motorcycle was a 2007 BMW R 1200 with about 77,500 miles on it. The motorcycle was a total loss.

A new patrol motorcycle and equipment will cost approximately $27,400. Insurance and property damage payments will most likely pay for the cost of the motorcycle.