HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommittee of the Whole Minutes 12.01.1998 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
December 1, 1998 6:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Chuck Rodgers
Gary Temple Bud Jolmson
Ken Olson Norman Orr
Gay Easton
OTHERS PRESENT:
V. Joe Leckie
Larry McCann
Cal Cumin
Kick Musson
Jim Stevens
Bud Johnson suggested that the council have a moment of silence for Miranda Fenner
during the regular council meeting and continue to do so until something is resolved with
the case.
Several individuals have a conflict with scheduling the workshop for department heads
on January 23, 1999. Bud suggested changing the date to Saturday, January 16th, and he
will inform the council of the definite scheduled date. Ken Weaver from the Local
Government Center will be presenting the one-day workshop.
Ken Olson suggested the possibility of having a breakfast and a speaker to begin the
workshop. Ken heard Billy Young speak at the League of Cities and Towns meeting and
recommends asking him to speak. Bud and Ken will coordinate this.
Gary Temple made this statement on record: "Based upon information I received from
the Mayor of the City of Laurel, the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department has accused this
councilman of basically squashing and/or killing the retirement fund of their
organization. When I asked to address my accusers, those names were declined to me.
Apparently it is all right for a member or a past member to ask questions of concern of
their organization, but in the same breath it is not allowed by this group or any others
within the City of Laurel to do the same. This same organization, according to the
Mayor, has not only accused me of this injustice but has felt it necessary to brand me as
well with the problems that they have in the form of blaming this councilman for the
losses to their retirement fund. I would suggest to this body and to the members of this
council that they do not arbitrarily convict someone for researching an issue. A member
of the Laurel City Council or an individual resident outside of Laurel organization have
the right to ask questions and should be at least given the benefit of the doubt. If those
members are so concerned, they should step forward and address those concerns so that
others such as myself could at least have the opportunity to respond. The last time I
looked, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Thank you, Mayor."
Mayor Rodgers said that there was a point of order in that it involved only one member
of the Volunteer Fire Department and not the whole department.
Ken Olson reported on the Laurel City-School Task Force meeting held on November
24th. The next meeting is scheduled for December 9t~.
Rick Musson distributed the case report register for the month of November. The Police
Department had an unusual month with the two homicides that occurred Laurel. The first
case was easily solved, but the Fenner case remains unsolved. The Judy Hatten case
from several years ago also remains unsolved, and these two cases will remain open as
active cases with the Police Department. Rick invited the councilmen to visit the Police
Department with any questions they might have. Rick mentioned that the reward offered
in the Fenner case is currently at $21,000 and he appreciates the support of the City of
Laurel.
Larry McCarm reported that the work on the Water Plant is progressing. There may be a
major problem in the covered basins where the pillars are almost gone. They will be
meeting Wednesday morning to determine the size of the problem. The rest of the city
operations are moving along in spite of a few sewer and water problems.
Larry was recently contacted by Ken Miller of the Lions Club. The Lions Club received
permission from the School District to have a contest among the grade school students to
rename the park at South Pond. They are looking for a name that has "Lions" in it, have
already started the contest, and are planning to award the prize later in December. After
some discussion, the mayor suggested that some information be collected regarding the
park and this issue.
Cal Cumin mentioned that the next meeting of the Laurel Central Business District is
scheduled for Tuesday, December 8th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Joe Leckie said that the city attorney's meeting that he planned to attend has been
cancelled because everyone has questions about CI-75, but there are not enough answers
available yet. He does not know who the plaintiffs will be, but Joe said that it appears
that there will be some legal action taken against CI-75.
Mayor Rodgers mentioned that he received a letter of retirement from Dave Michael and
a retirement party will be held for Dave at City Hall on Thursday morning.
The mayor is accepting applications from anyone interested in serving on the Board of
Appeals and the City-County Planning Board. He plans to make the appointments
effective January 1st.
Rick asked if the Christmas to Remember Committee had given anyone a map of the
parade route for the parade scheduled for Sunday, December 6th. Mayor Rodgers
suggested that Rick contact JoAnn Fox or Jean Carroll Thompson for that information.
Ken Olson made this statement for the record: "In response to Alderman Temple, the
integrity of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department is above question; to use an elected
position to provide a forum for a personal issue is of question."
The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Allen
City Council Secretary