Marshal recognized as Chief of Police at Council Meeting
By Robert Vanderbrugen/Democrat News
Friday, June 06, 2008
Following the mayor’s report, City Administrator Michael O’Gara reported his attendance at several meetings including: Meeting with the disabled regarding access, the Fredericktown and Madison County Chamber of Commerce Board, Missouri Public Energy Pool (MoPEP) - Missouri Public Utility Alliance CEO Duncan Kincheloe, and John Grotzinger, a pre-bid engineering meeting, a discussion with Lawson regarding re-financing to save about $40,000 in finance charges with the Cap America work, and Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development, Solid Waste Management and local discussions regarding the Wal-Mart Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.
Animal Control Office Dan Welker spoke to the Council regarding his efforts to hold an auction to benefit the Fredericktown Animal Pound. Some prominent sports figures are being asked to attend the event. (More details to follow in the Democrat News as more information is made available).
The aldermen discussed the request for permission from employees to cut hay on City owned land. The hay could not be sold and the aldermen decided to require any employee seeking to cut the hay to be required to sign an agreement not to hold the city liable for any accidents or damages. The aldermen said they also wanted to offer the opportunity to residents.
The Pickin’ On the Square event was sponsored in great part by Barrett-Jensen and the council wanted to acknowledge the car dealer as well as all the other businesses and individuals who helped put together the event including:
DLB Computer and Network Services for the website
http://www.pickinonthesquare.com/
Vista worker Shanna Sorg, the city staff and the city department workers, City Engineer Tim Baer and Mayor Kemp.
The Council said they need to create an appraisal process form for the office of city administrator. The date of June 2 was set for the results of that process.
The aldermen made a motion and vote to amend a roofing contract with Finch Construction. The vote was four ayes and two nays. The nays were heard from Ward I Alderman Brandon Hale and Ward III Alderman Karen Wright.
Aldermen held a lengthy debate regarding the City Marshal’s duties and the lack of leadership in the police department at the moment. Ward III Alderman Mark Tripp said he was in favor of continuing the search for a police captain, but the mayor and other aldermen felt the department needed someone in a leadership role now. After the discussion, a motion was made to call for a vote to acknowledge City Marshal John Wright as the Chief of Police and Officer Ken Tomlinson as the Assistant Chief of Police and place them in the leadership roles of the police departments. The motion passed with one nay vote heard from Alderman Tripp. Wright was elected city marshal by a vote of the people in last April’s General Municipal Election.
In response to questions presented by the aldermen regarding the high phone expense the city has, (about $1,000 a month) O’Gara said he would look into the number of phone lines the city has and try to find some cost savings.
In Remarks of Personal Privilege;
Tripp mentioned his appreciation of the Council’s motion to table the city marshal ordinance discussion until Tripp was available. He was also looking forward to the Pickin’ on the Square event.
Ward II Alderman Rick Polete said he appreciated the people who stood in the foyer of City Hall while they had the closed session meeting and those who came out to the meeting and voiced their opinions. He would like more residents to attend the Council meetings and do the same.
Ward II Alderman Sie Merriman Sr. said he was glad Tripp made it back to the meetings.
A second closed session followed.
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