April 26, 2016 - The Timpson City Council meeting held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 had both high and low moments as Tommy Sparks was honored during the meeting for his 30 years of service to the city and at a later time Paul Smith was removed from the meeting.
Sparks was presented with a plaque which read: "In recognition of your years of loyal and dedicated service. The city of Timpson would like to thank you for your contribution. April 22, 2016." Council members names are then included on the plaque.
A presentation of a check for $568.80 was also made to the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center (SCCAC) by way of the Child Safety Fee. This fee was approved for disbursement recently by the Shelby County Commissioners. Receiving the check on behalf of the SCCAC was Robin Gibson Connell.
Following a long deliberation, three items on the agenda had no action as it was decided the city would take an alternate route to achieve the same result. It appeared through discussion Kyle Allen, councilman, somewhat won over the majority of a council which traditionally has an opinion running opposite to his own.
Up for discussion was the possibility of purchasing an asphalt distributor truck for $21,000 and subsequent to that decision was the possibility of hiring another part-time employee and amending the 2015-16 adopted budget.
The purpose in buying the asphalt distributor was for the repair of potholes in the city. It was eventually decided the truck was not a necessity and Allen suggested using a trailer to carry small amounts of hot mix used for pothole repair instead of spending the $21,000 on a truck. Grace believed it would be an asset yet Yvonne Ramsey, councilwoman, was bewildered as to why the council would be considering the expense when it is common conversation among the majority of the council that the city is in the middle of a large deficit.
Several audience members including Debra Smith, another woman from the audience and Paul Smith requested to speak and attempted to speak; however, were informed by Ronnie Wolfe, Mayor Pro Tem, they were not on the agenda and were not allowed to speak. As a result of Paul Smith's persistence, Wolfe requested Timpson Police Officer Jake Metcalf remove him from the meeting room at which time Officer Metcalf escorted Smith out of the building.
While tensions had been running high, and continued to do so, Ramsey left the meeting due to an additional comment Ramsey said Wolfe made previous to the meeting in reference to her brother, the late Stanley Burgay.
In the absence of Ramsey, a quorum remained and discussion continued over potholes and hot mix. It was determined an asphalt distributor wasn't necessary. It was recommended the city employees should work one day a week on potholes and Wolfe would need to meet with the employees and establish both a time to do this and what day.
No action was then taken on items 11-13 and the meeting was adjourned.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Consent agenda items A-E A. Consider approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting from March 15, 2016 B. Consider approval of Financial Statement for the month ending March, 2016 C. Consider approval of April Accounts Payable – Unpaid bills for March, 2016 D. Approval for Timpson ISD and American Legion Post 90 to hold their Annual Memorial Day Event on the Square. E. Approve Resolution 384 (04212016-1) Waiver in Lieu of Taxes for Timpson Housing Authority. 2. Bid from Hydrotech Services in the amount of $5,329.80 to perform the Annual Fire Hydrant Audit.
Police Department report for the month of March 21 agency assists, 15 motorist assists, 2 escorts, 9 extra patrols, 1 loose livestock, 2 warrants served, 13 disturbances, 5 suspicious people, 4 suspicious persons, 3 reckless drivers, 2 crash investigations, 2 theft by check, 11 investigations, 4 welfare checks, 2 assaults, 1 resisting arrest, 1 criminal trespass, 2 criminal mischief, 1 possession of marijuana, 1 harassment. Total arrests: 4, total calls for service: 102. Municipal Court report for the month of March 87 Citations, 106 Violations, 3 Citations to a Minor and 0 Citations to a Juvenile. Total amount reported $17,574.97 for the Police Department and Court, the city’s portion a (55% Estimate) $9,666.23.
