City Council

Page 1 of 3 The regular meeting of the Mayor and Council was held in the Council room of West Point City Hall April 8, 2019 at 5:30 P.M. with Mayor Steven M. Tramell presiding. Members Present: Members Absent: Mayor Pro-Tempore Joseph R. Downs III Councilmember Alanteo “Henry” Hutchinson Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall Councilmember Sandra Thornton Mayor Tramell called Rev. Randy B. Kelley, Pastor of Goodsell United Methodist Church for opening prayer. Fire Chief Milton Smith lead the Pledge of allegiance. Mayor Tramell thank County Commissioner Lewis Davis for his continued support. Mayor Tramell called the meeting of the Council to order and welcomed everyone. MINUTES Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the March 11, 2018 regular meeting. Councilmember Sandra Thornton made said motion and was seconded by Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III; the minutes were approved unanimously without change. FINANCIAL REPORT Mayor Pro-Tempore Joseph R. Downs III presented the March financial report with the April cash position and forecast and made a motion to accept the report; motion seconded by Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall and passed unanimously. AGENDA Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs II made said motion and seconded by Councilmember Henry Hutchinson and passed unanimously. 1 Page 2 of 3  Proclamation for Valley Haven School Mayor Tramell read a proclamation naming the week of April 28th through May 4th, 2019 as Hike/Bike/Run Week in the City of West Point. This will be the 43rd Annual Hike/Bike/Run. Mayor Tramell presented the proclamation to Donald Cleveland. He thanked the Mayor and Council for their support.  Purchase Property Councilmember Henry Hutchinson made a motion to purchase property located in Troup County Parcel number 0943A001011 located at 1510 U.S. Highway 29 for $75,000. The property will be used as an extension of the Utilities and Public Works Division Facilities. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III seconded the motion; passed unanimously. Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter made a motion to purchase property located in Troup County Parcel number 0943D012008 located at 509 East 9th Street for $10,000. The property will be used to further the 10th Street Area Redevelopment Plan. Councilmember Henry Hutchinson seconded the motion; passed unanimously.  Vacant Council Seat Appointment Mayor Tramell stated the City of West Point has a vacancy on the City Council. The vacancy was created when Benjamin Wilcox resigned from his seat in January, 2019. The term will end January, 2020. The seat will be included in the November 2019 election. The City Charter Section 8 provides that any vacancy on the council shall be filled by the Mayor and Council. After discussion the decision was made to advertise and accept applications for the vacant position. There are three applicants, Tracy Bandy, Amanda James, and Dee Dee Williams. Mayor Tramell stated he would abstain from voting citing he was confident that Ms. Williams would run for Mayor this year and he would let the Council decide the seat. Mayor Tramell open the floor for nominations. Councilmember Henry Hutchinson made a motion to appoint Dee Dee Williams. Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall seconded the motion; The motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs, Henry Hutchinson, Gloria R. Marshall, and Sandra Thornton voted yes and Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter voted no. Mayor Steve Tramell abstained. 2 Page 3 of 3 OTHER Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter stated even though he voted no, there is no reason for the Council to not move forward as a unit. He stated on this vote, he just supported another candidate. Dee Dee Williams thanked the Council for their support and stated she look forward to serving the citizens of West Point. ADJOURN Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III made said motion and seconded by Councilmember Sandra Thornton; passed unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. ________________________ ______________________ Richard McCoy Steven M. Tramell City Clerk Mayor 3