By Shavonne Potts

Salisbury Post

LANDIS — In light of the town's former police chief being accused of using the Internet inappropriately, Landis leaders are looking to adopt a first-ever computer-use-and-Internet policy.

Last month, former Police Chief Charles Childers was charged with transmitting illicit pornographic images via the Internet.

Alderman James Furr introduced the proposed policy at Monday's meeting. It applies to computers, fax machines, and all forms of Internet access.

The ordinance was tabled pending review by Town Attorney Rick Locklear.

According to the proposed policy, "Internet access is a privilege" and may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct including sending chain letters; misrepresenting oneself or the town; engaging in unlawful or malicious activities; or sending, receiving or accessing pornographic materials.

The policy also addresses e-mail tampering and e-mail monitoring.

Violating the guidelines would mean the individual could face disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Following the meeting, Furr said that at present there are no direct guidelines pertaining to the Internet in place.

Furr said he adapted the policy by looking at other such policies already in place with other entities.

Locklear will look at how specific the policy needs to be.

In other town business:

* The board tabled the adoption of a resolution from the county pertaining to Salisbury's water supply.

Last month, Salisbury officials requested Landis' support in measures that would ensure the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the state require that Alcoa address problems associated with sediment accumulation along the Yadkin River.

Mayor Mike Mahaley expressed great concern over neighboring towns asking Landis for help when they've been overlooked regarding other matters, he said.

Mahaley said Landis gets treated like "stepchildren."

Furr reiterated that the decision to table was pending negotiations between Salisbury and Alcoa.

* The board approved English as the town's official language.

The ordinance states that the purpose is to remove barriers of misunderstanding and help unify residents.

The ordinance does not prohibit anyone from speaking their native language or participating in town activities.

The board hopes that the ordinance will enhance the morale of town employees and residents and avoid a "linguistic division" of residents "possessing a diversity in ethnic backgrounds."

Last month, Mint Hill, in Mecklenburg County, proposed a similar ordinance, but also would punish businesses that employed, rented to or provided goods and social services to illegal immigrants.

* The board officially accepted Childers' letter of resignation and will advertise for a new police chief. Last month, Lt. Reggie Faggart was appointed interim chief.

* Landis Fire Department received a new squad truck Monday. The truck, a white double cab, will hold extra equipment and can be used as a rescue tool, especially with the large search light mounted on top.

Fire Chief Reed Linn said the department expects the pumper truck this week. The truck was obtained from a truck show and will be outfitted for the Landis department.

* Public Works Director Steve Rowland said residents shouldn't be alarmed by white smoke they see coming from the town's drains and sewers next week. His department will conduct smoke testing of the town's sewers from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 18-Sept. 29. The test is used to locate leaks, breaks and the source of sewer odors in the lines.

The smoke is white to yellowish-white and might have a sweet-smelling odor, Rowland said. The smoke might come from a sewer vent, gutters and downspouts or out of the ground along the sewer line.

Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253 or spotts@salisburypost.com.