City Council

City of West Point Council Special Called Meeting Minutes Thursday, December 17, 2020 @ 5:00 PM Via teleconference Special Called meeting of the Mayor and Council was held by Teleconference December 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. with Mayor Steven M. Tramell presiding. Members Participated: Members Non-Participate: Mayor Pro-Tem Alanteo “Henry” Hutchinson Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter Councilmember Sandra Thornton Councilmember Deedee Williams • Special Call Meeting Mayor Steve Tramell stated the purpose of the Special Called Meeting was to interview three candidates for the City of West Point Municipal Court Judge. They are James G. Baker, Luther Jones, and Benjamin Wilcox. Councilmember Henry Hutchinson stated he would not participate in the interviews because of a conflict. He has used Mr. Luther Jones services on numerous occasions. Mayor Tramell stated each interview will be for 40 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. Each council member will have the opportunity ask a question and be allowed a follow up question during the interviews. The interviews will end when the time expires, or all questions have been asked. The council order of questioning will be the seating arrangement for meeting, beginning from right to left. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs, Deedee Williams, Sandra Thornton, Gloria R. Marshall, and Gerald W. Ledbetter for the first round and reverse order for the second round. Some of the questions that were asked and answered by the candidates are What are their experience, training, and education as it relates to their management of court proceedings? What approach do they use, or will use, to clearly explain court procedure to participants? What should the relationship be between the Municipal Court, the Mayor and City Council and the City Administration? How will they resolve conflicts? What are their thoughts on collection of fines, probation, community service? How will they assure that their rulings and decisions are fair and impartial? After the completion of the interviews, the Mayor and Council thanked all the candidates for their interest and participation. ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Tramell adjourned the meeting. [Type here] There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. _____________________ ______________________ Richard McCoy Steven M. Tramell City Clerk Mayor 2