Council members declined to vote on adding police chief Andy Powell to the city’s health insurance after council members raised questions regarding a new council taking office in two weeks. The council ultimately decided to table the discussion pending the new council’s decision whether or not to reappoint Powell.
“It’s not fair to spend a lot of money or hire a bunch of new people with a new council coming in,” Council Member and Mayor-Elect Dennis Welch said.
Welch and Council Member Marion Constant will be the only current council members returning to the table after Nov. 5. Council members Steve Windham and Pat Blackwell did not seek reelection and the other council seat has been vacant since Jack Smith resigned the position in February.
Appointed positions, such as police chief and city clerk, are appointed or reappointed with each new administration.
Questions also arose about the part-time/full-time status of Powell and Officer Chuck Lilley. There are also two other officers that the council has not approved hiring currently.
In other business:
•The council certified the results of the run off election.
•The city’s Christmas parade will be Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Line up for the floats begins at 5 p.m.
•The city will hold a trunk or treat in the parking lot of the Oakman Community Center on Halloween beginning at 5 p.m.