From left: Jessie Griffith, Steve Cockrell, Quinton Sam Watts, Barbara Pridgen, Cathy Atkinson, and Mike Cummings, Jr.
May 23, 2023 - The City of Joaquin’s new council and mayor were sworn into office during the Tuesday, May 16, 2023 meeting.
Jessie Griffith under the administration of the City Secretary, Casey Anderson, recited the Statement of Officer and Oath of Office. Griffith was elected into office unopposed during the May 6 City Election. He has served on the council since July 18, 2017 after being appointed June 20 to the open council position vacated by Pat Gray after she was elected mayor.
The council gave thanks to former Mayor Frankie Cooper who did not run for re-election. Council member Cathy Atkinson said, “The council would like to present this plaque to you, Mr. Frankie Cooper, in appreciation for the last two years. Thank you.” He was elected Mayor in May of 2021 and served two years in the office. Prior to Mayor he served on the council from 2016-2021.
Next to be sworn in were Cathy Atkinson and Quinton Sam Watts as at-large council members. Anderson administered their Statement of Officer and Oath of Office as well. Atkinson has served on the council since May 2017. Watts, a former employee of the City of Joaquin, is entering his first term in office.
Next, the Council appointed Atkinson to the position of Mayor Pro-tem.
Mike Cummings, Jr.
A thank you was given to Mike Cummings, Jr. for his service on the council from May 2017 until May 2023. Cummings was then appointed by the council unanimously to fill the vacancy, the unexpired seat of Jessie Griffith of one year. Council member Barbara Pridgen made the motion with the reason being Cummings, Jr. was third on the ballot and has experience serving on the council. Cummings, Jr. gave thanks for the opportunity to continue to serve the City of Joaquin. He will be sworn into the position at an upcoming meeting.
Mayor Jessie Griffith and his wife, Lisa.
Action Items Approved in the Meeting: 9. Approved the previous month’s minutes. 10. Approved the financials. 11. Approved Accounts Payable for the month of May 2023. 13. Approved removing Frank Cooper from all American State Bank accounts. 14. Approved adding Jessie Griffith to all American State Bank accounts. 15. Approved opening a checking account at American State Bank for Boat Ramp funds. 16. Approved Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreation Grant Agreement, Certification regarding Lobbying, and Assurances – non- Construction Program. 17. Approved opening a checking account at American State Bank for Southside Bank funds. Tabled Items: 12. Extending water services to account 523.
