POLICE TARGET DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

Rockmart's City Council approved an ordinance last week designed to
crack down on "drug paraphernalia" being sold by local businesses.
That discussion, along with a proposed fireworks ordinance, took up
much of a lengthy mayor and council meeting on June 14.

City officials said an ordinance is needed to strengthen existing
regulations regarding drug paraphernalia -- products associated with
illegal drugs use -- as well as items that mimic marijuana. A draft
of the drug paraphernalia ordinance was presented for consideration.
Noted was the fact that the use of marijuana, cocaine, crack, ice,
methamphetamine and other illicit controlled substances are highly
addictive and are associated with serious health conditions.

Officials pointed out that the number of crimes reported to local law
enforcement and their relationship to drug use as a contributing
factor has increased annually throughout Polk County, Rockmart and
Northwest Georgia. And, the sale and manufacturing of drug-related
products entices and influences young teens and adults in the
promotion of illegal use by affording an opportunity to purchase
items such as Chronic Candy (with flavoring meant to mimic
marijuana), "reefer" papers, glass tubes, oversized butane lighters
and other products that police said have no specific use other than
to promote illicit behavior.

John Adams, deputy chief, Rockmart Police Department, said he was
concerned that Chronic Candy could be placed in a container with a
clear wrapper and no markings. "Any unsuspecting grandparent could
come into a store and grab one," he said. After debate and
deliberation, the ordinance was adopted pending final review by Mike
McRae, city attorney.

City Manager Jeff Ellis commented on the draft fireworks ordinance,
which he said was recommended by Fire Chief Todd Queen. He reminded
the group of recent legislation that now allows the sale of sparklers
in Georgia. "The original purpose of the ban on sale of fireworks was
to keep these items out of the hands of unskilled users and to
prevent injury or death," Ellis said. Councilman Bruce Bell
questioned the reason for the ordinance and said he was not certain
it was needed. He also asked about the position taken by Cedartown
and Polk County fire departments and officials.

Queen expressed concern that local businesses would soon have
sparklers on sale -- not single sticks but large non-aerial bombs. He
said these would send sparks everywhere and he considers them a
safety hazard. "As firefighters, we have life safety concerns for
children," he said. "I also worry that with sparks going everywhere,
we would have difficulty controlling situations during the no burn
ban. "I believe there will be a problem and you won't just see the
small sparklers but the larger ones." Councilman Ray Carter said he
would rather see the ordinance address public gatherings such as
Homespun or a large recreation event. The ordinance would prohibit
any combustible or explosive composition, including blank cartridges,
balloons requiring fire underneath to propel them, firecrackers,
torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bombs, sparklers and other
combustibles and explosives of like construction. Action was delayed
until more information can be gathered. However, Councilman Bob
Culver encouraged the group not "to forget it."

In other business, Council: Approved a rebate to basic tier service
subscribers with Falcon Communities Ventures I, LP. The company
"shall issue refunds, totaling $240,436.84 to subscribers,
representing that portion of previously paid rates, plus interest,
paid by subscribers for the basic tier determined to exceed the
maximum permitted rates. This refund will be issued in the form of a
one-time credit to subscriber bills within 60 days of the effective
date of the agreement." Voted in favor of contracts for two work
details (Georgia Department of Corrections). Each contract totals
$37,500, which provides a crew of eight to ten individuals for 48
weeks each year. Approved the Georgia Power Franchise Agreement and
an Interim Budget for FY2006.