Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes
Monday – November 2, 2020
6:30 P.M. Community Center
Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
Attending: Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members – Thomas Gary, Mike Barfield, Lamar Watkins, Dusty Durst, City Clerk – Debbie Fontaine, City Attorney-Jody Campbell
Pledge of Allegiance – All
Minutes: Thomas motioned to approve the October 5, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes; Dusty seconded. All were in favor. Motion Approved.
Financials: Dusty motioned to approve the October 2020 Financials; Mike seconded. All others were in favor. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Budget 2021 – Second Reading and Adoption – Dusty motioned to accept the Proposed 2021 Budget, there was no second, therefore the motion failed for lack of a second. Mike motioned to adopt the Budget approving all but the pay increases for employees. No one seconded and motion died due to lack of a second. Council discussed budget and motions on the table. Thomas motioned to approve the budget, changing the employee pay increase from 3% to 2%, Lamar seconded. Three council members were in favor; Mike Barfield opposed. Motion was approved.
Appointment for Judge Pro Tem-Adam Hebbard – Mike motioned to approve the appointed Judge Pro Tem, Adam Hebbard, Dusty seconded. All were in favor, Motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Planning Commission Appointment –
- Bobby Crawford
- Chuck Wheeler
Jan mentioned that Chuck Wheeler would like to serve again and that she and John discussed the new candidate, Bobby Crawford, and he is their choice to appoint to the seat. Thomas asked if the motion had to be for both or if they could approve separately. Jody said they could be approved separate. Dusty motioned to approve the appointment of Bobby Crawford to the Nicholson Planning Commission, motion died for lack of a second. Jan asked if there was a motion to approve Chuck Wheeler. Thomas motioned to approve Chuck Wheeler, Mike seconded. All were in favor. Motion to approve Chuck Wheeler was passed. Bobby Crawford was not approved. *Thomas asked if the council could make a suggestion for an appointment to the Planning Commission. Jody explained that council could do so but ultimately the Planning Chairman and Mayor make the actual appointment for the seat.
Executive Session – Jody explained that the City of Nicholson Adjourned to Executive Session to discuss matters of Attorney/Client privilege and are protected under the Open Meetings Act.
LIBRARIANS REPORT: Per Library Manager
- Halloween was a success. Sherri gave out around 100 bags of candy. She also handed out coloring sheets and crafts. Besides our regulars, most people who came heard about it through the flyers we handed out at the schools.
- We still plan on having Santa visit. We will do it on a sign up basis and have them wait in the car. We will hand out goodie bags and craft bags. Those bags will be put together at least a week beforehand in plastic quart bags.
- The chairs and the blinds for the windows have been ordered for the annex.
- We are continuing to do story time on Facebook: enchanted story time with a craft, Spanish story time with Irma and a Community Story Time.
- Sherri is reading live via google meets to one of the preschool classes.
- We are trying to find a way to assist Candy Castle with a story time.
MAYORS REPORT:
- Jan told council that we are still waiting to hear from Jennifer Daugherty – USDA will approve for the City of Nicholson (for the Grant Application).
- Jan told Rhonda and city council that she is so proud of the work done at the new Library Complex.
Dusty asked if Nicholson would be doing the Christmas tree lighting this year. After discussion it was decided to continue with “not” trying to plan events in 2020.
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK –
Adjournment: Lamar motioned to adjourn; Dusty seconded. Motioned approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:20PM.
Announcements:
- Next Work Session November 19, 2020 – (date changed from 26th due to Thanksgiving)
- Next City Council Meeting in December 7, 2020