Sewage Leak Gets Couple $1.25 M Settlement

The Atlanta City Council will pay homeowners $1.25 million to settle a lawsuit involving a ruptured pipe that sent sewage into their house.

Homeowners Andrew Capron and Kirsten Valentine said the April 21, 2006, rupture of the pipe in their front yard destroyed their kitchen, living room and master bedroom.

The couple and their 3-year-old daughter lived with Capron's mother and then stayed in an apartment until repairs were done and a professional microbiologist determined the house was decontaminated.

The couple sued the city in Fulton County Superior Court, saying officials failed to maintain the sewer line properly. The city disagreed.

Judge Wendy Shoob ordered both sides to mediation and the settlement was reached. The council agreed to pay Monday with money to come from the city's Watershed Management Department.

Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution,

http://www.ajc.com

(AP)

Atlanta Councilmen: Down With Sagging Pants

Atlanta soon could be the latest city to outlaw sagging pants.

The City Council is set to consider the issue at its Monday meeting. Council members C.T. Martin, Ceasar Mitchell and Lamar Willis are proposing the new law, which would "make it illegal to expose one's undergarments in a public setting."

The measure would be included in an ordinance already on the books which bans simulated acts of intercourse and exposing or touching one's genitals or breasts.

If approved, anyone found in violation of the rule could be fined up to $100 and given eight hours of "work on the public streets of the city."

Proponents have called the issue "an epidemic" and "a major concern" as the issue has been debated nationwide and similar laws have been passed. Critics say the law unfairly targets African Americans.

(AP)

Atlanta to also add ticket surcharge

The Atlanta City Council has approved a citation surcharge in order to combat rising fuel prices.

The proposal is similar to a surcharge approved by Holly Springs on Monday.

Motorists cited for speeding, DUI or other traffic offenses could pay an extra $10 to $15. The council hopes the surcharge will raise at least $500 million.