Madison City Council considering texting while driving ban

The Madison City Council will consider a texting while driving ban at its next meeting Aug. 23, after Council President Bill Holtzclaw introduced the first reading of the texting ban during the Aug. 9 meeting.

Holtzclaw introduced the resolution on behalf of council member Jerry Jennings, who was absent from the meeting.

In other council actions:

— Westgate resident Mary Stallings addressed the council in regards to dilapidated houses and abandoned vehicles in her subdivision.

Stallings said many of her neighbors were concerned that the automobiles and deteriorated homes have decreased home values in the neighborhood.

Madison Police Chief Larry Muncey said Jennings, the district representative, has been working with other city officials to rectify the problem.

“They’re devising a plan as a we speak,” Muncey said. “We are aware of the problem.”

Mayor Paul Finley said Stallings, and other residents, should contact Police Lt. John Stringer, the internal affairs and community relations coordinator, and Cody Phillips, director of building, as soon as they see a problem, such as this one, arise.

“We want to help our homeowners, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Finley said.