REGULAR MEETING – CITY COUNCIL PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA May 14, 2018

A Regular Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Princeton, Mercer County, West Virginia was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Monday, May 14, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Mayor David Graham; Vice Mayor Tim Ealy; Council Members Marshall Lytton and James Hill; City Attorney Paul Cassell, City Manager Michael Webb and City Clerk Kenneth Clay. Absent were Council Members Dewey Russell, Jacqueline Rucker and James Harvey. A quorum was constituted thereby.

 

I.       INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Vice Mayor Tim Ealy invoked diving guidance for the conduct of the meeting. Marshall Lytton led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

 

II.     CALL TO ORDER

Mayor David Graham called the meeting to order.

 

III.     PRESENTATIONS – PROCLAMATIONS

1. Presentations:

Oath of Office – City Clerk Kenneth Clay administered the Oath of Office to T. A. Gray as Chief of Police for the Princeton Police Department.

Plaque Recognizing Princeton as a Purple Heart City – Mayor Graham acknowledged receipt of a plaque from the West Virginia Chapter of the Order of the Purple Heart recognizing City Council’s adoption of a resolution, on the 12^th day of February, 2018,

declaring the City of Princeton a “Purple Heart City” in recognition of and memorializing our Veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

 

1. Proclamations:

Native American Appreciation Day – Mayor David Graham made reference to a

ceremony being held simultaneously by the Princeton Senior High School’s Multicultural Literature Class at Lake Shawnee and, in recognition thereof, read a proclamation declaring the day of May 14^th, 2018, as “Native American Appreciation Day” in the City or Princeton and encouraging our citizens to commemorate this day with appropriate programs and activities and to learn more about the rich heritage of Native American tribes.

 

Kayla McKinney ~ Prudential Spirit of Community Day – Next, Mayor Graham read a proclamation declaring the 14^th day of May, 2018, as the “Kayla McKinney ~

Prudential Spirit of Community Day” in the City of Princeton, with congratulations for her exceptional achievement and acknowledgement of the honors deriving from her selfless service and dedication to the well being of others.

 

IV.     PUBLIC INPUT

Community Improvement Commission Report – Lori McKinney, Chairperson of the Princeton Community Improvement Commission met on May 7, 2017, with the following to report to City Council:

Planting Day – The Planting Day on Mercer Street, held on Saturday, May 5^th, was a wonderful success with most of the large planters completed. Two businesses with planters were closed, but will be contacted later. Also, the target date to hang the flower baskets is on or near May 19^th.

 

Letter to Rogers Street Businesses – A letter and survey for the Rogers Street businesses will be going out in the near future to begin the process of identifying their concerns and goals, as well as answer questions before building a consensus on how best to proceed to provide needed support and improvements in that area of the City.

 

Community Garden – Ms. McKinney advised that the Community Garden would require a new location next year due to the expansion of the craft beer brewery.

 

Kiosk Project – A preliminary design of the kiosk for Copeland Town Square was distributed to the CIC members to review and offer comments or suggestions. It was decided to forego the digital scrolling capability at this time and instead provide information by placards and through volunteers that will work in the kiosk. In the meantime grants will be sought to provide the electronics for the digital scrolls.

 

CIC Request to City Council – Lori McKinney explained that more people are walking downtown and many of the walkers have their dogs with them, but are not always diligent in cleaning up after their pets. Therefore, the Community Improvement Commission has recommended that four dog waste receptacles be purchased and placed downtown.

 

Councilman Hill asked if the CIC had the funds in its budget for the receptacles. Ms. McKinney replied in the affirmative.

MOTION: Tim Ealy moved City Council approve the purchase of four dog waste receptacles for downtown with funds from the CIC budget.

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

V.     CONSENT AGENDA

With corrections duly noted by the Clerk, Mayor Graham committed the Consent Agenda

 

 

to the record as follows:

 

1. Minutes of the March 7, 2018, Special City Council Meeting, as corrected;
2. Minutes of the April 9, 2018, Regular City Council Meeting, as corrected; and
3. Minutes of the April 17, 2018, Recessed Meeting of March 12,

 

VI.     POLICY AGENDA

1. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1.     PUBLIC WORKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

In the absence of Chairperson Jacqueline Rucker, Mayor David Graham reported that the Parks and Recreation Committee of Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, with the following to report and called on Public Works Director Bo Barker to present his report.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Public Works Director Bo Barker reported that during April his crews had been mowing and landscaping City properties, and painting yellow curbs and other traffic markings.

Also, Mr. Barker reported Public Works had been assisting the Recreation Department in City Park and at the City Pool in preparation for its opening. Crews had assisted with Planting Day, as well as doing work on the traffic islands at Ingleside Road and Stafford Drive.

James Hill recommended that anyone planting flowers should obtain Mr. Barker’s approval before proceeding.

 

Bo Barker added that only two on the sidewalk planters remain without flowers, but that might change. Also, he noted to Council that he had two more benches and would be placing them at the new Tattoo Shop on Mercer Street and at the Princeton Library.

 

Construction Lift – The Mayor reported that the Public Works and Recreation Committee had approved and recommended authorization for the City Manager to purchase a Sky Trac Lift as expediently as possible and at a cost not to exceed $25,000.

 

MOTION: Vice Mayor Tim Ealy moved the City Manager be authorized to purchase a Sky Lift at a cost not to exceed $25,000.

 

Marshall Lytton duly seconded the motion.

 

Public Works Director Bo Barker explained that he was trying to find a lift with a 50’ extension and added that he doesn’t believe he will find one at $25,000. Also, he advised that by the next Committee meeting he will have purchased a paver for $15,000 and will be looking for a milling machine. These pieces of equipment will enable the City to perform the upcoming Paving Project at a savings to the City of $40,000.

 

 

On voting, the motion carried unanimously.

 

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

Mayor Graham presented the Parks and Recreation report on behalf of Recreation Director Amanda McCabe, as follows:

County Commission Funding Request – The Recreation Department recently submitted a $5,000 funding request to the Mercer County Commission to assist in purchasing new chairs and umbrellas for the City Pool. The goal is to purchase 60 chairs and 12 umbrellas. The Department should be notified this week if the funding is awarded.

 

City Pool – Maintenance personnel have been working diligently to prepare the swimming pool for opening day, May 26^th. Also, the Public Works Department assisted in pouring a new layer of concrete in the baby pool. The liner had to be removed due to all the crumbled concrete underneath.

 

Summer Programming – The Recreation Department is now registering for the Summer Day Camp program. The program is an alternative to daycare for kids in the summer, and focuses on keeping kids active. It is for children ages 4 – 11 and includes field trips, playground fun, swimming, bike riding, arts and crafts, and much more.

 

The Department is also registering for the Mini and Minor basketball leagues. The two leagues are for boys and girls ages 4 – 8.

 

In addition, there have been eight Night Swims scheduled for the City Pool this season. The first Night Swim will be held on June 5^th. Night Swims are from 7 – 10 p.m. and include open swim, food, games, prizes and a DJ.

 

RAILROAD MUSEUM

Mayor Graham reported that Railroad Museum Director Pat Smith had presented the following report to the Public Works and Recreation Committee, as follows:

Calendar – Pat Smith submitted a calendar of events related to the Railroad Museum and her speaking engagements as Mercer County Historian, respectively, through September 2018.

 

Additional Hours of Operation Requested – Pat Smith requested authorization to extend the Railroad Museum’s hours of operation by 10 hours a week to qualify for signage from the State on I-77 publicizing the Princeton Railroad Museum. She advised that a State official had refused her request for the signs under State guidelines due to a lack of operational hours.

 

 

WV Day Celebration – Director Pat Smith advised that the Railroad Museum would be organizing and sponsoring a WV Day Celebration again this year on East Mercer Street near the Museum, Saturday, June 16^th. Festivities will include Whistle & Fish Bluegrass Band, Mark Twain, the Bluefield Trolley, horse and buggy rides and other activities and a bounce house provided by the Princeton Rescue Squad.

 

National Coal Heritage Area Association Study – An Economic Impact Study by the National Coal Heritage Area Association, completed in January 2017, reveals that 15 National Coal Heritage Trail sites across the U. S. generate an annual economic impact of

$207 million. This is important to small communities and contributes to the overall economic diversity of the region.

 

2.    PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Chairman Tim Ealy reported the Public Safety Committee of the Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, May 9, 2017, with the following to report to Council and called upon Code Enforcement Officer Ty Smith to present his Department’s report, as follows:

 

CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENT

Monthly Report for April – Code Enforcement Officer Ty Smith provided the following monthly report to City Council for April, 2018:

Initial Complaints                              125

Closed Complaints                            124

Cases Active Currently                       26

Cumulative Complaints to Date  33,922

Demolition/Renovation Programs Status:

Condemnations/Unsafe in Process	9
Renovations in Process	5
Demolitions in Process	4
Demolitions Pending a contractor	11
Total Demolitions to Date	638

 

Animal Control

Complaints this month	63
Impounded (14 dogs; 4 cats)	18
Adopted	3
Reclaimed	10

 

Building Inspections

Total Building Permits                           27

Total inspections                                   —-

Total Project Costs                  $330,967.06

 

 

Total Permit Fees                        $2,230.00

 

Flood Plain Management

Flood Plain Determinations                34

Flood Plain Permits Issued                   0

 

Zoning Official

Certificate of Occupancy Applications 4 Zoning Board of Appeals Applications 2

 

Councilman James Hill asked Ty Smith to explain flood plain requirements.

Ty Smith explained that with the altered flood patterns of recent years it has become a requirement of FEMA to thoroughly advise every property owner or property buyer of the flooding risk for their property. Therefore, a floodplain assessment and determination must be made on every application. Mr. Smith remarked that doing so also will amount to savings for the public.

 

Relocation Grant Amendment – As presented and recommended by the Code Enforcement Director, the Public Safety Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Ealy so moved, an amendment to the Relocation Grant to address emergency situations when there is not adequate time for the individual in need to obtain pre-approval for a relocation grant. It shall be at the Code Official’s discretion to provide temporary housing with a local landlord or motel for not more than seven days. The City shall be responsible for payment of the temporary housing, not to exceed the budgeted amount, whether or not the application is approved eventually. If approved, the grant for housing, including the temporary cost, shall not exceed $1,000.

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion.

 

Mr. Ealy explained that Code Enforcement Director Bill Buzzo was called out on a weekend for a case involving a lady in a wheelchair with no place to go. This addresses situations of a similar nature, Mr. Ealy advised.

 

On voting, the motion carried unanimously.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Monthly Report for April – Fire Chief Chad Bailey reported that during the month of April, Fire Department personnel responded to 62 EMS calls and 31 Fire calls; conducted 12 occupancy inspections and issued 53 fire lane citations.

Enforcement Notices – On inquiry regarding public notice of fire lane enforcement, Chief Bailey explained that said enforcement had been posted on Facebook and published

 

 

in the newspaper, but assured that it could be done again, if necessary.

 

Equipment Maintenance – Also, personnel had been checking fire hydrants in the City, but that has slowed down and he reported that the hydrants were in good condition. Also, the Chief advised that all Fire Trucks and associated equipment are being inspected and serviced based on the Department’s maintenance SOP.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Monthly Report for April – Police Chief Tim Gray reported that during the month of April, Princeton Police Officers responded to 517 calls for assistance, made 35 arrests and issued 337 citations.

Police Substation – Chief Gray remarked that Lt. Halsey is a hit with children as

evidenced by his performance at the first Explorer’s Club meeting on Saturday, May 5^th, and added that Lt. Halsey is a pleasure to watch in action. He is doing an amazing job and will do so again this coming Saturday at the next meeting of the Explorer’s Club at the Police Substation on Mercer Street.

 

Cooperative Work with Schools on Incident Response – Police Chief Gray reported the Police Department is working and meeting with Mercer County schools and the Board of Education to prepare for active shooter and other emergency incidents requiring a police response. He continued by explaining that on June 6^th and 7^th walkthroughs have been scheduled with schools in the City. All available agencies will respond to any situations that have the potential to put students and teachers at peril.

 

On Appointment as Chief of Police – Police Chief Tim Gray thanked City Council, City Manager Mike Webb and City Clerk Kenneth Clay, for having the faith in him to appoint him as Chief of Police. He described this day as “the best day of my career,” and commented that if he fails it will be his fault. Chief Gray continued by thanking God for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Police and Bill Seaver for starting him on the path as a Police Patrolman for the City of Princeton.

 

Lastly, the Chief acknowledged the great officers at the Princeton Police Department who work hard and his wife who is his greatest supporter and encourager.

 

Hiring Review Board – Chief Gray reported plans to convene a Hiring Review Board within the next two weeks with the expectation of hiring two patrol officers for the Police Department. Thereafter, Chief Gray explained, having exhausted the current civil service register, another series of civil service tests will be required to replenish the Police

Department’s hiring roster.

 

Domestic Violence Group Meeting – Public Safety Chairman Tim Ealy announced a meeting of the Domestic Violence Group on May 18^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Princeton

 

 

DHHR, for all those who work with domestic violence cases or respond to domestic violence situations.

 

3.    FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Chairman Marshall Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee of the Princeton City Council met on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, with the following report to City Council and called upon Finance Director Brian Blankenship to present the Finance Department’s report, as follows:

 

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

April 2018, Financial Reports – Finance Director Brian Blankenship reported that as of the end of April, the tenth month of FY 2018, the actual revenues collected stood at 90.25% of the budgeted amount, while actual appropriations were expended at a rate of 82%, as compared to the budget projections of 83.3% forecast for the end of April, 2008. Total funds available for City operations at the end of April were $2,949,702.

Mr. Blankenship reviewed the following noteworthy expenditures for April: PEIA…………………………………………………………….. $52,140

Library Appropriation…………………………….. $30,375

Fink Engineering……………………………………. $18,145

 

MOTION: Chairman Lytton continued by reporting the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended the April 2018, Financial Reports to City Council, and he so moved.

 

Tim Ealy duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

FY 2018 General Fund Budget Revision #9 – The Finance Director presented and recommended to the City Council Budget Revision #9 for the FY 2018 General Fund to appropriate $93,140 of additional money from anticipated and unanticipated revenues. Mr. Blankenship added that this revision brings the overall FY 2018 General Fund Revenue Budget to $8,282,967.

 

Adjustments include the following:

 

• Appropriate $72,600 across various departments to keep line items in check and for anticipated expenses.
• Appropriate $20,540 into Contingency for a backup reserve if

These changes in appropriations create a net increase of $93,140; thereby increasing

 

 

estimated expenditures to $8,282,967 and maintaining a balanced budget.

 

MOTION: Chairman Lytton continued by reporting the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended FY 2018 General Fund Budget Revision #9 to City Council, and he so moved.

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

1. ​& O. Tax Incentive Applications – Chairman Lytton reported that the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the following businesses for receipt of the one-year, 100% & O. Tax Incentive for new businesses in the City of Princeton:
   1. Dixie Springs Resort & Spa, LLC – 152 Athens – Jennifer Austin, Owner,
   2. Game Central – 1202 Stafford – Kevin Jividen, Jr., Owner,
   3. Sophisticated Hound Brewing , LLC – 833 Mercer St. – Matthew Barnett, Owner,
   4. Akers Financial Services – 1300 South Avenue – James Akers, Owner, and
   5. Starry Eyes Media, LLC – 943 Mercer Street – Cecelia Thompson,

 

Tim Ealy duly seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Social Media Policy – On the recommendation of the City Attorney, the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and Mr. Lytton so moved, a “Social Media Policy” establishing restrictions regarding the use of social networking services and social media by employees of the City of Princeton.

 

The “Policy” also welcomes the use of the City’s various social media sites by the public to comment on matters involving the City, the public interest, and for educational and informational purposes; and assuring the City’s response, as warranted, within a reasonable period of time.

 

Further, all comments and other content posted by users of the City’s social media sites are subject to monitoring and viewpoint neutral reasonable regulations.

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion.

 

City Attorney Paul Cassell explained the aforementioned policy would be formally adopted by ordinance with the first reading of the ordinance at next month’s Council meeting.

 

 

On voting, the motion carried unanimously.

 

Appointments to Boards and Commissions – On the following item, City Attorney Paul Cassell recommended separating candidate #10, Whitney Graham, for individual consideration and voting to allow Mayor David Graham, father of Whitney Graham, to

participate in voting for the remaining twelve. The City Attorney’s recommendation was approved by City Council by consensus.

 

Therefore, Mr. Lytton reported the Finance and Administration Committee approved and recommended to City Council, and he so moved, the following appointments to various City Boards and Commissions.

 

1. Brittany Rothausen – four-year term on the CIC
2. Marquetta Mathena – four-year term on the CIC, as an alternate
3. Bob Lohr – three-year term on the Princeton Planning Commission
4. Charles Stores – three-year term on the Princeton Sanitary Board
5. Pam Stafford – five-year term on the Library Board
6. Becky Carter – six-year term on the Park and Recreation Board
7. Carol Bailey – three-year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals
8. Eric Thompson – three-year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals
9. Derrick Lefler – three-year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals
10. Steve Jessee – three-year term on the General Board of Appeals
11. Nelson Short – three-year term on the General Board of Appeals
12. Chris Canterbury – three-year term on the General Board of Appeals, as a

Full Member from Alternate Member James Hill duly seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

 

Vice Mayor Tim Ealy moved City Council appoint Whitney Graham to another three- year term as an Alternate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

James Hill duly seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried unanimously with Mayor David Graham abstaining from the vote.

 

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Chairman Lytton presented the following Library report on behalf of Director Brittany Rothausen:

Yoga for Beginners – On Saturday, May 19^th at 12:00 p.m., Yoga for Beginners is doing so well that an expansion of the program is being planned. Everyone is invited to come

 

 

to the Library to learn how to acquire the benefits of yoga for body, mind and spirit.

 

Mindfulness Meditation – On the Tuesdays of May 8^th and 22^nd, at 6:00 p.m., learn the basics of meditation and share quality time with the like-minded.

 

Bad Art Night – In conjunction with Altogether Arts Week, come to the Library on Thursday, May 17^th at 6:00 p.m., and let your inner (bad) artist loose and make some really bad art. Turn off your self-judgment and enjoy the creative process of making really bad art. All supplies will be provided free of charge and its open to all ages.

 

Stretchy Saturday Storytime – On Saturday, May 12^th at 12:00 p.m., children and their caretakers are invited to a monthly storytime that will get kids moving and encourage them to build healthy habits. Includes stories, crafts, movement and a healthy snack.

Crochet Group – Thursday, May 24^th at 6:00 p.m., you will find a friendly gathering learning the basics of crocheting or pros working on a current project in the company of fellow crafters. Crocheters of all experience levels are welcome.

 

The very popular Story Walk in City Park is in high gear for the summer.

 

Councilman Hill commented that Story Walk in City Park is very unique to our Park, has caught on and become very popular.

 

B.      CITY ATTORNEY

1. Rental Compliance Ordinance, 1st Reading – City Attorney Paul Cassell presented for first reading, by title, AN ORDINANCE ADDING ARTICLE 1752

(“RENTAL COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY”) TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA.

Vice Mayor Tim Ealy moved City Council accept the ordinance on first reading. James Hill duly seconded the motion.

The motion carried unanimously.

 

2. Amending Vacant Building Registration Fees – City Attorney Paul Cassell next presented for a first reading, by title, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE 1795.04, “REGISTRATION STATEMENT, LOCAL AGENT; FEES,” OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA.

 

James Hill moved City Council accept the ordinance on first reading. Marshall Lytton duly seconded the motion.

 

 

Mr. Hill asked City Manager Mike Webb for an explanation of the ordinance in reference to registration fees.

 

The City Manager explained that the ordinance would cut the registration fees in half for residential structures after being originally set the same as the commercial rate.

 

On voting, the motion carried unanimously.

 

C.     CITY MANAGER

City Manager Michael Webb thanked everyone for coming to the Council meeting and congratulated Police Chief T. A. Gray on his appointment as Chief of Police.

 

D.     CITY CLERK

City Clerk Kenneth Clay also congratulated Chief of Police T. A. Gray upon his appointment as Princeton’s Police Chief.

 

E.     DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

Human Resources Director Wanda Donahue reported the receipt of a grant of $2,060 from the West Virginia Development Office for Fairs and Festivals. As in years past, this grant is earmarked for the Chamber of Commerce’s Princeton Autumnfest.

 

VII.     COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE

James Hill – Mr. Hill congratulated Police Chief T. A. Gray on his appointment as Chief of Police.

Mr. Hill commented that after meeting with the DOH officials last Wednesday, on the I- 77 upgrade between Bluefield and Princeton, he was sure traffic issues were coming when truck traffic is diverted onto Rt. 460. Mr. Hill cited the problems on I-64 in Putnam County with serious accidents in the work zones that have been attributed to distracted driving. He added that as many as 600 trucks per hour traverse I-77 and could create a great deal of congestion of 460.

 

Chief Gray offered to increase enforcement of distracted driving during the I-77 work as a part of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

 

James Hill continued by remarking the Police Department’s digital radar sign was doing well in discouraging speeding wherever it is placed.

 

Mr. Hill remarked that he was proud to see The Princeton Explorer’s Program underway with 19 children for the first class at the Police Substation and that Lieutenant Halsey did an excellent job instructing the class.

 

Mr. Hill expressed that with the submission of the final design for the Flood Control

 

 

Project, submitted by Fink Engineering, work may proceed at the Stafford Drive and Bee Street area this summer.

 

Lastly, he commented that the Rental Compliance Ordinance now on the table is a major step in creating a level playing field in the City’s efforts to guarantee a safe living environment for its citizens.

 

Vice Mayor Tim Ealy – Mr. Ealy congratulated T. A. Gray on his appointment as Chief of Police and commented that everyone speaks highly of him. He thanked the Chief for his hard work over the years as a police officer for the City and expressed appreciation for all the Chief has done for the community.

 

Mr. Ealy advised that State Senator Mark Maynard would be leading a procession of cruisers, adding cruisers along the way, as he travels to the next Princeton Cruise In from Wayne County on Route 52. He added the Cruise In events should continue to grow with the promotions by Jamie Null of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

Marshall Lytton – Mr. Lytton congratulated Police Chief Tim Gray on his new position and wished him the best as he begins his new duties. Mr. Lytton also thanked Chief Gray for his work with the Princeton Police Department over the years and commented that he was sure the Chief’s mother and father were looking down on him tonight with pride.

 

Mr. Lytton acknowledged to Fire Chief Chad Bailey that the firefighters had been busy writing citations and other duties related to the equipment maintenance program while also answering fire and EMS calls.

 

The Councilman thanked Public Works Director Bo Barker and Code Enforcement- Animal Control Officer Ty Smith, together will all other City department heads and employees for their efforts on behalf of our citizens.

 

Mayor David Graham – Mayor Graham remarked that he wanted to thank Kayla McKinney for her community service work, but she had departed the meeting earlier.

 

The Mayor congratulated Police Chief Gray on his appointment and remarked that the City is honored to have him as its Police Chief. Mayor Graham also commented that the Police Explorer’s Club for children is an outstanding program and expressed his appreciation for Lieutenant Halsey’s leadership with the children.

 

To Bo Barker, the Mayor remarked that the traffic islands look great after Public Works efforts which have made a big difference in their appearance.

 

Mayor Graham continued by expressing his appreciation for all the hard work by Code Enforcement on rental compliance and added it is something that has been needed in the

 

 

City for a long time. The Mayor added that City Council might need a larger venue when the second reading and public hearing on the rental compliance ordinance is conducted next month.

 

Lastly, Mayor Graham thanked E. T. Boggess, Architects, City Council members, City Manager Mike Webb and all others involved in the drafting of the bid documents on the impending construction work on the Administrative Section of the new Municipal Building Complex.

 

VIII.     ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, on motion, City Council adjourned its May 14, 2018, Regular Meeting at 7:33 p.m.