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Elkton City Council Meeting Held
City Police Chief Stewart reported 56 citations and one arrest for driving with a suspended license. Chief Stewart also reported a need for four new tires for one of the city’s patrol cars. Alderman Turner made the motion to grant approximated funds of $350-$400 to the Police Department. The motion was seconded by Alderman Blade and passed 4-0. Alderman Turner expressed concern for the Police Department’s rainwear, and Chief Stewart announced his staff merely has plastic ponchos. Alderman Turner inquired about the approximated costs of new, protective all-weather gear for law enforcement. Chief Stewart stated that police issue raingear will be $30-$40 each. The board unanimously passed a motion for the appropriated funds to be allowed to the Elkton City Police Department. Fire Chief Dan Yant reported only three motor vehicle accidents responded to, with four fire calls and only one false call. Mayor Ware then brought attention to the recent resignation of Alderwoman Holt with the reading of Mrs. Carolyn Holt’s personal letter. The board received Mrs. Holts letter with shock and disbelief. Mayor Ware stated how the city would miss Alderwoman Holt, “Carolyn was a friend of the city and always did a wonderful job…we will all miss her a great deal.” Mrs. Holt cited the recent departure of her husband as well as other personal issues as the reason of her own departure from the board. Alderwoman Holt stated she could no longer fulfill the tasks her position demanded. Mayor Ware opened the floor to nominations for the new position. He asked the city’s aldermen to “beat the bushes over the next month to find names to throw in the hat.” Mayor Ware requested all names to be turned in by next month’s meeting, when the council will vote on the best citizen for the job. To be recognized by the board for this position, please call the Elkton City Hall at 931/468-2506, or speak to a city alderman. When the position of alderman is filled at next month’s scheduled meeting, the board, consisting of all five members, will vote on a new Elkton City Vice-Mayor. The next order of business was led by City Attorney Joe Fowlkes consisting of the optional approval of a new Code of Ethics law which would apply to all members of the board, staff, committee and all associated personnel. The stipulations of said code would prohibit the use of any monies or property of the city in a nature of personal gain. (Police Officers must use city police cars for official police business only, etc.) Under code guidelines and restrictions no city employee or board member can accept any form of gratuity, cannot discuss city business outside meeting or “Elkton employee family”, and any conflict of interest, private or professional, is ordered to be announced. If code is broken by any employee or official, they may be censored publicly and recorded in city business meeting minutes. City Attorney Fowlkes will review and revise said code to be reviewed by board members at next month’s meeting. Mayor Ware announced the city will “go in the hole” for yet another month on the Waste Management program. He asked city aldermen to approve a $978 withdrawal from the city’s waste and water fund to cover the city dump fee. The motion passed unanimously. An ordinance assessing penalties for delinquent garbage bills was passed 4-0, along with an ordinance regulating the use of commercial garbage dumpsters. Alderman Turner brought forth a bill of $900 for repairs on the city Street Department truck, and made a motion to pay said bill. Motion was seconded by Alderman Blade and passed 4-0. Mayor Ware read a letter from City Judge Andy Hoover requesting a pay increase. The members of the board declined to take action until time for negotiation to be reconsidered. Alderman Blade extended an open invitation for everyone to attend the Bean Supper January 22 at the Elkton City Fire Hall. The menu consists of white beans, slaw and onions, cornbread and dessert. Motion to adjourn was made by Alderman Turner, seconded by Alderman Whitfield. |
