Before swearing in new council
There were two high points in this segment of the meeting. One was recognizing Emma Granston’s retirement. The other was Donna Stearns presentation of this year’s United Way fund drive. Mayor O’Geary’s acknowledged Ms. Granston’s retirement with the presentation of a proclamation. The mayor added a personal note of thanks to Ms. Granston after reading the proclamation. Ms. Stearns summarized the results of this year’s United Way fund drive among city employees. This year’s drive raised a few more dollars than last year’s drive.
The rest of this segment was the rapid approval of both old business items and the four consent agenda items. None of the ‘old council members’ contributed any substantive discussion regarding the items before approving each. According to the note in the packet, the old business and consent agenda items preceded the swearing in of the ‘new council’ because the items are carry-overs from the November meeting. Councilman Brown did not attend the meeting making his last vote on his previous work a no-show vote.
Swearing in of new council
New Councilwoman Fearldine Simmons had a large contingent of family and friends on had to witness the ceremony. Following official ceremony, the council members their families and supporters held a private meet and greet. In the meantime, those in the Peanut Gallery conversed on life’s vicissitudes.
After the swearing in ceremony
The first order of business when the meeting resumed was to select the Mayor Pro Tempor and appoint the city officers. The new council reaffirmed Mr. Rainey as Mayor Pro Tempor and in rapid succession reappointed Mr. Griffin, Mr. Zollicoffer, and Ms. McCrackin to their respective positions. The new council then approved the $1,898,571 zero interest promissory note for the replacement of a 2” water main. In the new council’s first ten minutes the mayor pro-tem and city officers were reappointed, and a promissory note for almost two million dollars was approved before the council recessed for a closed meeting for a legal matter. The closed session was an add-on to the agenda and Mayor O’Geary said there would be no announcement about the meeting. The Peanut Gallery was abuzz with speculation as to the purpose of the attorney client closed session. Speculation included approval of the new police chief or the firing of someone. Upon the council’s, return to open session they approved a bookkeeping transfer of funds from one internal account to another. The Off Premise Advertisement Sign Ordinance was tabled until next year because the ordinance is not ready for prime time.
Public Hearings
Dr. Lucille Hilliard formally of Washington DC spoke about her program to teach children many things including the need to pull up their pants and wear a belt. She had handouts for the council members to review as she explained her program. Unless I missed it, Ms. Hilliard was not asking for money for her program. She was only informing the council of her endeavors.
From the Peanut Gallery, until next year enjoy this year’s holiday season.