When four members of the Alexander City Council were unable to attend
the July monthly meeting it was opened up to the public for a question and
answer session. One resident instantly vilified the absent aldermen while
others showered Mayor Michelle Hobbs with praise for her performance. The
meeting was canceled after waiting the required 15 minutes because only three
aldermen were in attendance and five is needed for a quorum.
Before the meeting was canceled Hobbs stated she received phone calls
from aldermen Farren Wadley and Faye McKeon telling her they wouldn't be able
to attend the meeting. Also absent were aldermen Andrea Bearden and Juanita
Wilson. Hobbs said she hadn't heard from Bearden or Wilson.
Alderman Brad Scott submitted his resignation three days before the
June meeting. His position has not been declared vacant since aldermen were
only notified of his resignation this week.
Present at the meeting besides Hobbs were aldermen Ceola Bailey, Sam
Gregory and Lonny Chapman. Also present was Recorder Sharon Bankhead.
When a quorum was not present at 6:15 the mayor canceled the meeting.
Gregory asked about rescheduling but Hobbs said everything will have to wait until
the August meeting.
Gregory then suggested opening up the meeting for public comment. City
resident and Hobbs's uncle Royal Doss accused the absent aldermen of a
"conspiracy" to not have a quorum. Hobbs did not remind Doss that two
of the aldermen did call in.
One request the council and mayor agreed to implement is a suggestion
box for residents at city hall. Aldermen will then be able to respond to any
complaints.
Hobbs did report repairs to city streets had begun. At its June meeting
the council approved the low bid of $41,696.82, submitted
by Gleason Tucker Construction of Ward, for drainage and street repairs at nine
locations along Alexander city streets. Members of the audience thanked her for
getting the streets and ditches repaired and cleaned.
Hobbs then shifted the topic away from city business to her personal
efforts handing out back packs filled with school supplies to needy children.
She said she makes sure the back packs go to children who need them.
Hobbs also mentioned Alderman Gregory helping her with the back pack
program. And she said Alderman Ceola Bailey would have helped "had she not
have to work."
The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council will be held on
Monday, August 18 at 6 PM in city hall. The public is invited to attend.
Sorry I missed it maybe Dr will find answers.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I'm sorry you're having such problems. You have a lot on your plate, and you have to take care of yourself first. Will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Missing a meeting doesn't outshine all the work you are doing for this city. I have seen first-hand what goes on, and I applaud your efforts!
ReplyDeleteAlexander is making progress. It is the community and our children which is so very important. The backpacks, the community center, the summer program... it shows progress, and I like it. I was delighted to see the drainage problem being worked on down by the tracks. I'm sure the family that lives there is happy, too!
On another note, I've been asked by a few neighbors about the street repairs. I was pleased to inform them that we actually have a plan in progress. They seem relieved to know that repairs are in place for the streets of our city. Let's keep moving forward, y'all.