Tuesday night, the city council approved the resolution calling for the April 2 election. Filing period for those position will start at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4 and close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.Up for election will be two full four-year council posts in wards 1 and two. Those positions are currently held by Shannon Scott, in ward 1 and Christy Jeffcoat in ward 2.
The third council seat is the councilmember at large. That will be a two year term expiring in 2021. It is now held by Ronnie Duke who was appointed after Bill Goodner resigned last June.
In order for a person to sit on the wards 1 or 2 seats, they must live within that ward for at least six months prior to filing as well as being a registered voter in the community. The at large position covers the entire community and does not have a residency requirement within a ward. They must live within the city limits.
The positions are non partisan allowing all registered voters to cast their ballots.
Council members recognized city crews for their efforts repairing the Sunday water leak on a main supply line. That project resulted in several city workers pulling an all-night work schedule to repair it.
According to mayor Jennifer Munholland, the break in the 14-inch pipe resulted in some 2,000 gallons of water spewing across East Trudgeon each minute.
She said city crews were initially working on a smaller line that only dumped out some 300 gallons per minute when the larger break happened. That smaller leak was put on hold until the 14-inch line could be repaired. A third break was also reported Tuesday.
The third leak caused council members to table a 25-year award presentation to Jason Gold. Because he was at the scene of the third leak, the council decided to make the presentation at the January meeting.
Council members held a 16-minute executive session to settle a lawsuit by Glover and Associates. That dealt with the supply of asphalt chips the city has had stored at Nichols Park for over two years. Those chips were alleged to have been given to the city by Glover as part of the resurfacing work on the Indian Nation Turnpike. Glover officials were seeking payment from the city for the asphalt. Now the city will be able to use the chips for road work at no cost.
