Tempers flared several times Thursday during the regular meeting of the Benham City Council as council members debated with a cable service provider and a local resident.

The city's television franchising agreements were the focus of the discussion.

Vernon Engle, the operator of Black Mountain TV, distributed a memo stating that he was making a second request for contact information on the Federal Communications Commission attorney he says the city is asking for advice.

"No one here has talked to an attorney, only an adviser," said Mayor Betty Howard.

The council voted at its last meeting to purchase Benham Community TV for $1. Howard said she was told that the city can keep the cable franchise as long as it doesn't lose money.

Howard said the Benham Power Board will be maintaining Benham Community TV in an effort to give residents a choice of cable providers.

"If the residents want Benham Community TV, then they will sign up with Benham, and if they want Black Mountain TV, then they will sign up with you, Mr. Engle," said Howard.

Faith Clark, a Benham resident, asked the council how they plan to "come up with a quarter of a million dollars by 2006?"

Council member Ruby Sweet turned around in her chair and asked the Tri-City News reporter, "What business is this of yours?"

"I am a resident of Benham, so it is my business," said Clark.

"Unfortunately," noted council member Wanda Humphrey.

"Now that was totally uncalled for," said Clark.

"Please, stop," said Howard as she pounded her hand on the table.

"I apologize," said Humphrey.

"Apology not accepted," responded Clark. "Like I asked, how do you plan on coming up with the money?"

"Just watch and find out," said Howard.

In other business, the council:

n heard from Police Chief Bob Clay, who stated he received a letter from the government asking that the city's senior police officer serve in Iraq. Clay responded with a formal letter declining the position with the response, "Our men are needed here."

n heard from Howard, who said that an abandoned house on Poplar Street will be left alone for now until a final decision about restorations are made, along with a business plan.

n asked for help from residents with weed trimming in the city due to recent mechanical problems with current weedeaters.

n was told by Howard a celebration of the sewer line being moved from the creek will be on April 16. The Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Department will assist school children in releasing fish into an area of the creek.

n set cleanup dates along with Harlan County from April 10 to 24. The city's collectors will not take tires or shingles.

n heard from Main Street Director Elizabeth Powell, who said that it would be very important to answer any questions from the Tri-City Market Analysis.

n was told by former Main Street Director Terina Collins that there will be a tire amnesty program this summer at the state highway garage.