April 14, 2017 - Following a report from Jimmy Wagstaff, Tenaha City Marshal, on the activity of his department for the previous month Stephanie Marie Glenn, councilwoman, stated she had received some complaints recently and she requested the schedule for Marshal Wagstaff and his deputies.
Glenn stated her issue had to do with difficulty, when the city marshals are off duty, getting any officers to respond when contacting the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.
"The problem is, is that when we don't have anyone and this has been an ongoing problem when we don't have anyone on patrol, something happens in Tenaha and [the Sheriff's Department] is really not wanting to send anybody to Tenaha. I'm sorry, but that's the truth," said Glenn.
Glenn stated two incidents occurred at the dollar store in Tenaha where assistance was requested including for a two-vehicle crash and an incident involving a masked man demanding money. Glenn explained the situation with the masked individual was diffused by the cashier, because she knew who the masked man was and she sent him home. It was Glenn's initial belief no one was on call the night of either of these incidents.
Mayor Carl Jernigan explained an officer is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to which Glenn and an audience member disagreed and Glenn asked on what phone number. Marshal Wagstaff explained the Sheriff's Department knows how to contact the officer on duty or on call.
"The Sheriff's Department is not working, that's what I'm telling y'all, the Sheriff's Department is not working," said councilwoman Glenn.
The woman, Letcia Borens, was involved in the alleged crash at the dollar store and was present for the meeting and she stated, "I talked to Shelby County Jail the night that my car got hit at the dollar store. I dialed 9-1-1 because I didn't have no other number. This is what the lady told me, there wasn't nobody on call in Tenaha at that particular time, she said I would try to get someone out there, but I do not have a deputy on duty."
Marshal Wagstaff indicated Deputy Marshal Darren Gray did respond to what was described as a minor crash incident that evening; however, Borens spoke passionately about her concern someone was not immediately there in case the situation had escalated. Marshal Wagstaff stated there are 168 hours in a week and he and Gray work on duty 40 of those hours, in response to Borens he asked the council for the ability to hire two more officers and indicated if two more officers were hired, 24-hour coverage could be provided.
"Shelby County is telling us, telling the citizens here in Tenaha that it is no one available. That's what I'm saying," said Glenn. Marshal Wagstaff explained he can't account for what the Shelby County Sheriff's Department does, and Glenn responded, "I need for somebody to get in touch with Shelby County to get this resolved, because what it's saying is our citizens are at risk, no one wants to come and protect our people, that's the problem. I'm not saying that you feel that way."
Mayor Jernigan said he has contacted the Sheriff's Department before he even ran for mayor and it's been explained to him they dispatch Tenaha first during a call, and he agrees with that action; however, during the meantime he would like a Sheriff's Deputy to be dispatched as well, "because we all pay the same taxes, everybody else within the city limits of this community pays. Just because we live in the city of Tenaha doesn't mean we're immune from being able to have the same protections that the county's got."
Marshal Wagstaff explained no one at the Sheriff's Department works for him, and they are not required to be responsive to his direction.
"Until we start holding the Sheriff accountable, then it's not going to change," said Mayor Jernigan.
The conversation continued with the mayor saying the council could continue the discussion on the agenda in the future if they would like to and Glenn reiterated a lot of her concerns.
"If [Sheriff] Blackwell is not going to cover Tenaha, we have got to come together as a town and get ourselves covered, because something serious is going to happen in Tenaha," said Glenn.
Austin Barna, representing the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department, address the council about equipment the department needs. He thanked the council for their service and personal time they contribute to the city. Barna stated there have been a lot of positive things happening at the fire department lately and it is heading in the right direction. Seven to eight new members have joined the department since August 2016 and a grant was awarded to the department in October 2016 for $15,000 worth of structural gear.
"There's still a need within our department, specifically for gear and equipment and things to help us do our job and serve the community better," said Barna.
Barna stated representatives of the department worked with representatives of the city to develop a proposal for the city to help the department with the safety of the firemen, community and overall service for the community.
Some of the items he listed they were seeking the city's assistance in acquiring were lights for helicopter landing zones, re-chargeable flashlights, handheld radios, helmets, hose nozzles, new AED (defibrillator) paddles, disposable bbm (breathing masks for CPR), medical bag, and gear bags.
A motion carried to approve $10,000 for the fire department to make the necessary purchases.
The council discussed Booker T. Washington Park and what the city should do with the park. Glenn stated the land isn't even an acre and most of the land surrounding it belongs to Aaron Roland. At this time the park is mostly made up of an old basketball court, and bench.
"If you put money into that park with the problems that we're having now with just like keeping the park clean and stuff, I feel like it's a waste of money," said Glenn.
She continued by saying the park is not treated well and is trashed on a regular basis. Glenn and councilman Cliff Lloyd agreed they would like to see the city focus on a community park. The council agreed Booker T. Washington Park is a historical piece of property; however, they say it isn't treated with respect.
A motion carried to table further action on the park until a decision can be made on what to do with the park.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:23pm.
To provide greater clarity on what was said at the March 27, 2017 meeting of the Tenaha City Council, Shelby County Today is publishing two audio recordings with one including the portion of the meeting where the dispatch of Tenaha City Marshals was discussed, and the second including council comments at the end of the meeting.
Audio File 1
Tenaha City Council Discussion1
Audio File 2
Tenaha City Council Discussion2
Tenaha City Marshal Report for February 136 traffic stops, 157 citations, 5 calls for services and the new patrol car is in and will be put in service once the graphics are added. Hired Jacob Samford as a part-time deputy. Tenaha Municipal Court Report for February The court collected $27,771.18. Tenaha Water/Sewer Report for February 26 work orders for the water department; 1 work order for the sewer department; 1 work order for the street department; 6 after hour call outs. Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Minutes of the February 27, 2017 meeting. 2. February 2017 Financial report. 3. Approve $10,000 for the fire department to purchase gear. 4. Adjournment at 6:23pm. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Plan For Future Use of Booker T. Washington Park. 2. Waste Water Treatment Plant Dumpster.
Sheriff Addresses Tenaha City Council Concerns (Letter)
Tenaha Council Continues Discussion on Fire Department Funding
City of Tenaha Special Called Council Meeting Agenda, May 4th
