UPDATED @ 8:58 PM Gordon New Town Council Meets

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
Date: Mar 13 2018 5:51 PM

GORDON:     Tonight members of the “new” Gordon Town Council met in their opening meeting.

Mayor Elbert Melton, Councilmam Lorse Saffold, Robert Dollar, Daryl Wilson, and Shannon Ray were present. Councilman Joe Deckle was not present.

Mayor Elbert Melton questioned Councilman Lorse Saffold in using the city credit card to put gas in his personal vehicle. Councilman Saffold said he did once for city business. The council members made no motion concerning. Mayor Melton asked for executive session but there was no second.

Mayor Melton asked about who gave the City Clerk to attend training in Montgomery.

Mayor Melton asked Councilman Saffold who gave him permission to charge mileage to the city. No one responded.

Mayor Melton asked for a motion to purchase a time clock. No motion made.

Mayor Melton asked about hiring a Clerk. In the workshop it was discussed hiring a clerk and a police officer. Mayor Melton asked if advertised. Councilman Ray asked to run in paper to hire a new clerk with a job description coming from the new clerk. The motion was second . The vote was 3 to 2, and the motion passed.

Mayor Melton said it was discussed about hiring a police chief. During the workshop it was discussed. A motion was made and second to hire a police chief. The vote was unanimous.

Mayor Melton asked about payroll checks being given out, he wants the amount of hours being paid for to be put on the check. Motion was made but died with lack of second. Councilman Ray said not talked in work shop.

Mayor Melton asked who had the authority to stop paying the mayor his salary and superintendent pay. Councilman Ray said all checks owed to you are in the checkbook. Attorney Ray Jarret said matter pending litigation.

Mayor Melton said Mickey West Superintendent pay and labor pay. No comment.

Mayor Melton said Lorse Saffold does not pay a water bill and why does Saffold not pay water bill. Councilman Ray said not discussed in workshop and can’t be discussed.

Mayor Melton said all tools are not accounted for. This was not discussed in workshop.

Mayor Melton said there was a missing gas tank. Saffold said he has never seen. Councilman Ray said not discussed in workshop.

Mayor Melton asked about an old lawnmower and price was fifty dollars. Mayor Saffold sees it in a yard. Councilman Ray said not brought up in work session.

Mayor Melton asked about property clean up. Councilman Ray said the town has to have a police chief to enforce and don’t have one. The item was tabled.

Mayor Melton said raising reconnection fee on water. Amend reconnection fee for water. The council said it was discussed going to fifty dollars. Raise from twenty five to fifty dollars. Motion passed.

Mayor Melton discussed applying for all grants available for Town of Gordon. Motion was made for clerk to apply for all grants available. Motion passed.

Mayor Melton discussed giving the Town Hall a face lift in painting, fixing floors inside and out. The current Town Clerk said she will donate the paint. The Mayor said the donation of paint was not discussed. Councilman Ray said it was discussed in using court funds but the City Attorney cautioned. It was agreed the city clerk will furnish the paint. Motion carried.

Mayor Melton said discussed giving Mickey West help for the season coming up. Councilman Ray made motion to give help for the summer. Motion passed.

Mayor Melton discussed giving Mickey West a pay raise as discussed. Councilman Ray said not discussed in workshop so can’t discuss.

Mayor Saffold wanted to discuss someone’s unfairness. Person not present and not discussed in workshop.

Motion made to pay the twins bills. Motion passed.

Mayor Melton asked about getting the books audited. Saffold said it had been discussed but not done. Motion made and second. Motion passed.

Mayor Melton said the distribution he was suppose to get every month. Councilman Ray questioned on agenda. Saffold said it was written in. Captain Rafferty told the clerk on three occasions to provide that and Captain Rafferty said if she did not then to fire her. The City Attorney Cliff Jarret said the Mayor was getting close to a lawsuit and recommended an executive session.

NOTE:  The information stated by Gordon Mayor Ebert Melton concerning what Major Rafferty of Houston County Sheriff Department said was not accurate.

The Mayor of Gordon can not terminate the City Clerk. He can suspend her, with pay, but the Town Council would have to terminate her. That is on authority of the Alabama League of Municipalities.

We were hoping things would get straightened out with the new Gordon Town Council Members. But they seem to have a major obstacle and that is Gordon Mayor Elbert Melton.

Melton is under indictment in Houston County Circuit Court and the case is pending.

Melton said he gave an Attorney General Opinion. Attorney Jarret said opinions are not to supersede advise of Attorney.

Councilman Ray said she welcomes the new council members. She introduced the members. She said they would like to work together. Ray thanked them for filling the seat.

Council member asked if can go into Executive Session to discuss the three candidates for police chief. Councilman Ray said there is only one, all others have pulled their names.

The council then adjourned to Executive Session.

I then left and did not stay for the Gordon Town Council to return from an Executive Session.

 

 

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