City Council

City of West Point Regular Council Meeting Minutes Monday, February 13, 2023 @ 5:30 PM West Point Council Chambers The regular meeting of the Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers February 13, 2023, at 5:30 P.M. with Mayor Steven M. Tramell presiding. Members Present: Members Absent: Mayor Pro-Tempore Gerald W. Ledbetter Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III Councilmember Joel B. Finlay Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall Councilmember Sandra Thornton Councilmember Deedee Williams Mayor Pro-Tempore Gerald W. Ledbetter gave the opening prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Steve Tramell. Mayor Tramell called the meeting of the Council to order. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III made a motion to enter an executive session to discuss personnel. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter; passed unanimously. MINUTES Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the January 9, 2023, Regular Business Meeting. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III made said motion; seconded by Mayor Pro-Tempore Gerald W. Ledbetter; passed unanimously. FINANCIAL REPORT Mayor Tramell stated the financial report for approval is in the Council packet. Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to approve the January Financial report. Councilmember Joel B. Finlay made said motion; seconded by Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall; passed unanimously. AGENDA Mayor Tramell reviewed the agenda and asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III made said motion; seconded by Councilmember Joel B. Finlay and passed unanimously. Page 2 of 2 CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION FOR WEST POINT POLICE CHIEF Mayor Pro-Tempore Gerald W. Ledbetter made a motion to appoint Interim Chief Kelvin Carter as Police Chief. Councilmember Joel B. Finlay seconded the motion; During the discussion Councilmember Deedee Williams stated she would support the decision no matter how the vote turns out. She was concerned the process was not done the way she feels it should have been done. She stated the council needs to look at the culture and recent events in the police department. The motion passed on a 5-1 Vote Councilmember Deedee Williams voted No. PURCHASE PROPERTY 1004 IVEY LANE Councilmember Sandra Thornton made a motion to purchase property located at 1004 Ivey Lane for potential recreation use. The property current owner is Refuge Point Church. The property consists of 1.66 acres and two buildings. The cost is $200,000. The funds will come from SPLOST proceeds. Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall seconded the motion; passed unanimously. OTHER Councilmember Deedee Williams stated on February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. there will be an African American Culture Celebration at LaGrange College sponsored by the Friends of LaGrange Library. Also, there will be a Racial Trust Building Training Session next weekend to promote racial harmony. This is a County wide initiative at no cost and was established about eight years ago. She encouraged everyone to attend. Councilmember Sandra Thornton stated the Miss Senior Southwest Georgia Pageant will be April 28-29, 2023, at the New Horizon’s Theater in West Point, GA. The pageant promotes positive aging, and a opportunity for women 60 plus to be active, have fun, and benefit the community by giving back to the older adults in our area. She encouraged seniors 60 plus to participate and other to attend. Councilmember Thornton also stated the Black History Month Program will be 5:30 p.m. February 28, 2023, at the West Point Gymnasium. Miss Wheelchair GA, USA, and Miss Wheelchair International Yvette Pegues. Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall asked everyone to support Valley High School Boys Basketball team as they began the State Championship tournament. Her son-in-law is the coach and grandson a player on the team. ADJOURN Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III made said motion and seconded by Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall; passed unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. ________________________ ______________________ Richard McCoy Steven M. Tramell 2