SPECIAL MEETING ~ CITY COUNCIL PRINCETON, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA July 1, 2020
A Special Meeting of the Common Council of the City of Princeton, Mercer County, West Virginia was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 800 Bee Street, on Monday, July 1, 2020, 12:00 p.m. In attendance were Council Members David Graham, James Harvey, Dewey Russell, Marshall Lytton, James Hill, Jacqueline Rucker and Joe Allen; City Manager Michael Webb, City Attorney Paul Cassell and City Clerk Kenneth Clay. A quorum was constituted thereby.
I. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Marshall Lytton invoked divine guidance for the conduct of the meeting and offered a prayer for the nation. Council Member Joseph Allen led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
II. CALL TO ORDER
City Attorney Paul Cassell, presiding, called the meeting to order.
III. ELECTION OF MAYOR
The City Attorney opened the floor for nominations to the position of Mayor for the City of Princeton.
Council Member Dewey Russell nominated David E. Graham to serve as Mayor.
Nominations Closed – Council Member Marshall Lytton moved the nominations be closed.
James Harvey duly seconded the motion.
On voting, Jacqueline Rucker, Marshall Lytton, David Graham, James Harvey, Dewey Russell and Joe Allen voted in favor of the motion. James Hill voted against the motion. Therefore, the motion to close the nominations carried on a vote of six (6) in favor and one (1) opposed.
Roll Call Vote on Nomination of David Graham as Mayor
Jacqueline Rucker voted “aye” Marshall Lytton voted “aye’ David Graham voted “aye”
James Harvey voted “aye” James Hill voted “nay”
Dewey Russell voted “aye” Joseph Allen voted “aye”
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Therefore, David E. Graham was elected to serve as Mayor of the City of Princeton for the 2020-2021 Term on a vote of six (6) in favor and one (1) opposed.
IV. MAYOR’S OATH OF OFFICE
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office for Mayor David Graham.
Remarks by Mayor Graham – Mayor Graham expressed his appreciation and thanked the Council Members for their continued support and for diligently representing the citizens of Princeton. The Mayor continued by remarking that the City of Princeton has much to be thankful for and acknowledging the excellent work of the City officials and employees who provide essential services to our citizens on a daily basis.
V. APPOINTMENT OF VICE-MAYOR
Mayor Graham appointed Ward III Council Member James Harvey as Vice-Mayor for the 2020-2021 Term.
VI. VICE-MAYOR’S OATH OF OFFICE
The City Clerk administered the Oath of Office for Vice-Mayor James Harvey.
VII. COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
After obtaining their consent, Mayor Graham made the following Committee appointments for 2020 – 2021; appointed Council Member Joseph Allen to the Public Safety Committee, as well as the Committee chairpersons for the 2020-2021 Term:
PUBLIC WORKS AND RECREATION
Jacqueline Rucker, Chair Dewey W. Russell Mayor David Graham
PUBLIC SAFETY
James V. Hill, Chair Joseph Allen
Mayor David Graham
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Marshall V. Lytton, Chair James E. Harvey
Mayor David Graham
Mayor Graham next named the following Council Members to assist him by serving as his designees on the following external organizations:
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- Dewey Russell – Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias; and
- James Harvey – Region I Planning and Development Council
Mayor’s Closing Comments: Mayor Graham concluded the meeting by acknowledging that the City has an excellent City Council with which it is an honor to serve. The Mayor explained that the current Council Members have the best interests of the City at heart and want to see Princeton progress into the future. However, Mayor Graham expressed that this next year will be a challenging one, but added that this current City Council will prove itself up to the task.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the July 1, 2020, Special Council Meeting adjourned at 12:11 p.m.