City Council

City of West Point Regular Council Meeting Minutes Monday, January 13, 2025 @ 5:30PM West Point Council Chambers The regular meeting of the Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers on January 13, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. with Mayor Steven M. Tramell presiding. Members Present: Members Absent: Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall Councilmember Joel B. Finlay Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter Councilmember Kevin Patrick Councilmember Sandra Thornton Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter gave the opening prayer. Mayor Steve Tramell led the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Tramell called the meeting of the Council to order. MINUTES Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the December 9, 2024, Regular Business Meeting. Councilmember Sandra Thornton made said motion, seconded by Councilmember Joel B. Finlay; 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 December Financial report. Councilmember Joel B. Finlay made said motion, seconded by Councilmember Kevin Patrick; 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 Gerald W. Ledbetter and passed unanimously. 2025 APPOINTMENT OF CITY OFFICERS ELECTION MAYOR PRO-TEM Councilmember Sandra Thornton made a motion to appoint Councilmember Gloria R. Marshall as Mayor Pro-Tempore to serve a one (1) year term and until a successor is Page 2 of 3 elected and qualified. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III; passed unanimously. MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III made a motion to appoint Luther Jones as Municipal Court Judge. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Sandra Thornton; passed unanimously. MUNICIPAL COURT RECORDER TEMPORE (JUDGE PRO-TEM) Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter made a motion to appoint Benjamin F. Wilcox as Municipal Court Recorder Tempore Assistant Judge. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Joel B. Finlay; passed unanimously. MUNICIPAL COURT PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Councilmember Joel B. Finaly made a motion to appoint Mark Carlton as Municipal Court Prosecuting Attorney. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III; passed unanimously. MUNICIPAL COURT ASSISTANT PROSECUTING ATTORNEY Councilmember Joel B. Finlay made a motion to appoint Alex Dixon as Assistant Municipal Court Prosecuting Attorney. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kevin Patrick; passed unanimously. CITY ATTORNEY Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter made a motion to appoint Alex Dixon as City Attorney. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III; passed unanimously. MUNICIPAL COURT PUBLIC DEFENDER Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter made a motion to appoint Jacob Key as Public Defender. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III; passed unanimously. OATH OF OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY Mayor Steven Tramell administered the oath of office to the City Attorney and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Alex Dixon. 2 Page 3 of 3 Resolution for 2025 Municipal Election Qualifying Fees Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to approve a resolution to set 2025 Municipal Election Qualifying Fee for Councilmembers at $151.20. Qualifying fees shall be fixed and published prior to February 1st; of the year the general municipal election is to be held. The qualifying fee is three percent of the Councilmembers annual salary from the prior year. Councilmember Joel B. Finlay made said motion; seconded by Councilmember Kevin Patrick and passed unanimously. Agreement for Georgia Department of Natural Resources Trail Project Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to approve the agreement for Georgia Department of Natural Resources Trail Project. Located on the old woodyard property that is owned by Downtown West Point Development Authority. Development of a new trail to loop 0.2 miles in West Point to be connected to a trail in Alabama. The project will incorporate signage and improve access to the existing water trail on the Chattahoochee River. The total cost of the project is $306,465.00, Fund Support 65%, Grant-in-Aid $200,000.00, and a Minimum Local Match $106,465.00. Councilmember Gerald W. Ledbetter made said motion; seconded by Councilmember Sandra Thornton and passed unanimously. OTHER Councilmember Sandra Thornton wished Minie Clyde Murphy a Happy Birthday. She turned 100 years old on January 6th. Councilmember Sandra Thornton recognize the passing of A.R. Ransom who was an West Point Alderman from January 16, 1984 to April 12, 1992. Councilmember Sandra Thornton invited everyone to attend a MLK Breakfast. Hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on January 20th at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. They will be partnering with Circle of Care. A donation of a new coat or socks will be greatly appreciated but not needed to attend. ADJOURN Mayor Tramell asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Joseph R. Downs III made said motion and seconded by Councilmember Kevin Patrick; passed unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. ________________________ ______________________ Kristin Lester Steven M. Tramell 3