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The March meeting of the City of Madison Commissioners was held on Tuesday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m. The commissioners discussed impact fees, a new structure at Lake Frances, the David Dukes monument, the Refuge House and a possible noise ordinance. The first order of business at the meeting was to appoint Commissioner Ina Thompson as the Mayor and Commissioner Jim Catron as Mayor Pro Tem. Commissioners serve as mayor for one year on a rotation basis. The commissioners had the second reading and public hearing of the new ordinance to place a one-year moratorium on water and wastewater impact fees. Impact fees are a one-time charge for new connections to the water or wastewater system. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the moratorium. This ordinance is effective immediately. The commissioners approved the David Dukes monument to be placed in the Four Freedoms Park. The monument will be 30 inches wide and 40 inches high. The monument will say: David Dukes “The Voice” In honor of our hometown hero for his dedication. Starting at age 17, August 1963, to the cause of justice, freedom, equality, supporting human rights and leading the civil rights movement in Madison County, Florida. We’ll never turn back. The commissioners approved a collaboration agreement between the Madison Police Department and the Refuge House. Refuge House provides assistance to sexual assault and domestic violence victims. In the agreement, the Madison Police Department agrees to provide victims with referral information for Refuge House, display brochures in the office and attend training. The commissioner approved a covered deck that the Madison Lions Club would like to build on the west side of Lake Frances. The Lions will do the fundraising to pay for the structure and the City of Madison will request an inmate crew from Madison Correctional Institution to build the structure. The project is to be at no cost to the city. Mayor Thompson placed consideration of a possible noise ordinance on the agenda after she received complaints for residents about loud music and mufflers in their neighborhood. Lieutenant James Roebuck informed the public that modified mufflers are illegal and the Madison Police Department can cite the driver, however, at this time the officer has to be there when the incident occurs. The Florida Supreme Court Statue 316.3045 that allowed officers to cite drivers for excessively loud music was found unconstitutional, as it is a form of freedom of expression. The commissioners directed City Attorney Schnitker and City Manager Tim Bennett to propose options concerning how to address noise ordinances at a later date.