|
Excerpts From The Minutes
Grantsville's town council meeting was lively as usual. Here are some highlights and
a summary from the minutes of the November, 2002 meeting.
Questions came up regarding Halloween vandalism and the status of auxiliary
police.
Paul Funk continued to request an apology from council members, with Mayor Knight
making an apology.
Newly appointed council member Gaylen Duskey was questioned regarding his
qualifications to serve.
Attempts made to settle a conflict between the Bonar and Toney family.
The State Auditor's office will be auditing the town's books from July, 2001 to July,
2002.
Concerns about a burned out house on Main Street which the owner received a
$24,000 insurance payment.
A new ordinance is being proposed regarding the conducting of yard sales.
Issues came up regarding street improvements.
FURTHER SUMMARY OF MINUTES, NOVEMBER 4, 2002 MEETING
Mayor Knight introduced JoAnn Stevens of the Hometown Country Christmas
committee, with the event planned for December 4-6, with the town sponsoring and
judging a window display contest.
Paul Funk asked why the signs at the office are small and why the blinds at the police
station are always closed. He related incidents that happened during Halloween
weekend. He felt if the blinds were up, police might be able to see or hear
something.
Lorie Fleagle asked if she could speak about the blinds. She stated the Sheriff's
Department keeps their blinds down for safety reasons. Rose Knight pointed out
when they are interrogating or speaking with people who have complaints, this
prevents other people from looking in.
Mayor Knight stated that what happened to the pumpkins was deplorable. The Boy
Scouts spent their money and time to select, carve and set the pumpkin display on
behalf of the town. However, he would not say what happened was a weakness of the
police department.
Mr. Funk wanted to know how many Auxiliary Police Officers the town has, and what
they can do legally. Mayor Knight replied there are four, covered by insurance, and
are aware of their duties, and they know their driving privileges.
They are volunteers who come in after their full time jobs to help the police
department and be a neighborhood watch on patrol. They have no set hours to follow.
They come when they are needed. Mayor Knight pointed out that other municipalities
have granted their auxiliary police officers the right to stop and detain individuals
until police officers arrive, and they cannot make an arrest. At this time the auxiliary
has not been granted that right. Mayor Knight pointed out that other town police
departments have the same problems "our town people department has."
Mayor Knight wants whoever did that to the pumpkins be caught and made a formal
apology to the Boy Scouts and make restitution to the Scouts, and make charges of
vandalism.
Councilman Duskey applauded the courage of the scouts for putting the pumpkins
back, stating he wanted the town to be more vigilant over future displays. Duskey
proposed the idea of having students at the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center make a
sign for the office.
Paul Funk brought up a situation on South Side, Helen Johnson had written a letter
concerning the problem. Pam Davis and Council Member Bonnie Brown spoke about
it. Mayor Knight will have the police look into it and do whatever is necessary to
correct it. (The problem was not disclosed)
Mr. Funk stated he is still waiting for an apology. Council member Brown commented
he came to the meeting asking for an apology, which he did not receive (he received
one from the Mayor, which he felt was not necessary) but wanted one from the
parties who were responsible (apparently referring to two Council members). She
(Brown) told Funk "He was told a mistake was made and he should not come to the
meetings asking for an apology every time. The Council does not have the time since
they have other matters to take care of.
(After a lengthy discussion) Mayor Knight told Funk it was the understanding of the
Council they will not spend anymore time on it and this should be resolved between
Mr. Funk and the two members individually.
Lorie Fleagle expressed concerns over Gaylen Duskey's qualifications to be a Council
member. She asked if Mr. Duskey was a citizen of Grantsville and a registered voter.
Mr. Duskey replied yes to both questions, She stated she could not find him
registered in the County Clerk's office. There is concern whether he is registered for a
city election.
Mr. Duskey will check on this and correct it if need be, said the minutes.
Brian Toney asked what was decided about Bob Bonar's parking spot on the street.
Mayor Knight replied it is the "opinion of the council as reflected in the last
meeting".... Mayor Knight felt he had made it very clear they (Toney's) understood
they were not to take Mr. Bonar's parking pad. (The issue continued in a lengthy
discussion) A motion was passed to leave the final decision on the dispute to the
Mayor and the Chief of Police, allowing them to contact an attorney.
Dianne Ludwig asked about the burned out house on west Main Street, which is
considered a hazard. The Mayor reported the owner claimed $24,000 after the fire.
Knight reported the town does not have the funds for a lien to tear down the house.
Ms. Ludwig stated financial assistance might be available.
The State Auditor's office has chosen Grantsville to be audited 2001-2002 at a cost of
$5,300.
Mayor Knight reported he had sent a letter to the Lion's Club committing $200 for the
Christmas lights.
The Council received the financial reports on the general fund, sewer fund, and water
fund. The town is still operating within the budget. All departments received a memo
not to buy anything that will cost more than the town can afford, until after the
audit.
Bonnie Bird reported Eric Webb is checking on a wall-mounted heater for the
office.
Mayor Knight read a letter from Gov. Wise concerning funding for the pool.
Mayor Knight stated Wal-Mart had donated two basketball backboards for the
park.
Proposed ordinances set forth by Donnie Price regarding yard sales in the town
moved forward.
Discussion by Council member Duskey regarding the pavement of streets, prompted
Knight to say streets would be paved one at a time when money is available.
Council members attending, Marguerite Basnett, Bonnie Brown, Gaylen Duskey and
JoAnn Shock, with recorder Phelma J. Wease. Others present, Kenny Whytsell, Paul
Funk, Pat Starkey, Charles McCroskey, Brian Toney, Dianne Ludwig, Bob Groves,
Warren Bassnet, Donna Starkey, Lorie Fleagle, Paige Toney, Steve Husk, Bonnie Bird,
JoAnn Stevens, Rose Knight and Pam Davis.
SUMMARY AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM OCTOBER 7, 2002
Excerpts From The Minutes
Before opening the meeting, Mayor Gary Knight addressed an issue raised in the
September meeting concerning individuals who wanted to address the city council
had to register and be placed on the agenda fifteen minutes before the meeting. He
said the state cannot mandate a governing body to require pre-registration to
speak.
He said, according to the minutes, "We maintain order in our meetings, where
everyone is free and welcome to speak at the appropriate time on the agenda. There
will be no impulsive or unsolicited input with the council unless otherwise called
upon to do so by the mayor or council members."
Mayor Knight had three candidates to fill the seat vacated by P. Jane Wease after her
appointment to Town Recorder. The candidates included Neil Blankenship, Lori
Fleagle and Gaylen Duskey. JoAnn Shock made a motion to appoint Duskey, and the
council approved him.
Paul Funk said he spoke to Donna Warfield at the State Attorney General's office, and
she denied making statements that citizens and individuals had to register to speak.
Mr. Funk stated in the September meeting he was not allowed to speak and "even
told to shut up by a council member."
Mr. Funk pointed out some street problems and problems with signs. He said the
corner of Main and Court Street at J & B Drug Store was a hazard, suggesting a no
parking zone. he also asked who was responsible for clearing the sidewalks in
winter.
Mr. Funk discussed the burned-out house on west Main Street.
Donnie Price helped the Council develop a resolution regarding yard sales in the
town.
Kenny Whytsell said the town does not have a charter on file, with a reply stating that
Grantsville is a Class 4 town, and as such does not need a charter. "Our ordinance
are in compliance with the State Code," he was told.
A discussion was held regarding the Christmas lights for the town, which the town
does not own.
Mayor Knight brought up vacation pay for town employees, and how the town can buy
vacation days.
Mayor Knight thanked Steve Husk and Charles McCroskey for picking up the trash
when Bernard Harris was on vacation. The Mayor thanked Pat Starkey for running the
parking meters for free.
A conflict between the Bonar and Toney families was discussed at length, regarding
parking space.
Council woman Shock reported a guard rail could be placed at the ravine between
Smith's Service Center and the Senior Center.
Problems regarding streets and repairs to the city building, discussed.
There was resolution on a non-working fire hydrant on Main Street.
A discussion was held regarding how to allow citizens to speak at Council
meetings.
| 
