Gallatin Mayor John Thomas resigned his position, effective Feb. 27. In a brief letter submitted to city hall, Mr. Thomas stated "The city needs a mayor who can give 100%, and I can no longer focus on that with my personal and health problems."
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The Gallatin Board of Aldermen accepted the resignation during the regular meeting of the council held Monday night. Administrator Zac Johnson says the law allows the council to appoint someone to serve the remaining unexpired term, which runs to April, 2007.
In other business at Monday’s meeting, City Administrator Zac Johnson stated that he had talked with FEC about a town meeting. He will check to see if March 23 at Dockery Park will work out. Notification will be made public in the paper when a date and time is confirmed.
Mr. Johnson said he has growing concerns about the high water usage at the water plant for this time of year. The water plant is running too many hours and he is afraid by summer the plant will not have the capability to keep up.
Mr. Johnson commented on the loss control program required by the city’s insurance carrier. He also met with utility consultants about the old water tower and Darrin Adkins about the court clerk that processes all the tickets for city court. Mr. Johnson stated that the lifeguard ad for the pool season would be published in the paper this week.
Police Chief Mark Richards reported on activity from Feb. 10 to Feb. 27. Reports Taken and Tickets Given: 1 – domestic; 1 – false report; 1 – minor in possession; 1 – possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana; 1 – possession of drug paraphernalia; 1 – DUI; 1 – lost WIC vouchers; 5 – speeding. There are six dogs in the pound.
Chief Richards stated that he is getting ready for DARE graduation and informed the board that the grant paperwork for radios had been submitted. He also submitted information and a photo of the vehicle the police department would like to purchase. The board voted for the police department to purchase a 2002 4WD Dodge Dakota four-door vehicle for $10,500.
Bills in the amount of $11,044.21 were approved for payment.
The board carried a motion after first and second reading to accept an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a governmental equipment lease-purchase agreement (Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation) and other documents and agreements in connection therewith.
During comments by aldermen, Doyle Patton inquired about the sidewalk issue. Mr. Johnson stated that he is still looking at grant applications, but the city also has the authority to require property owners to repair their sidewalk.
Pat Baker had complaints on a trailer sitting in a front yard.
Bob Snidow stated that he thinks the city’s attorney needs to be present at a future meeting for some questions to be answered.
The board entered into closed session pursuant to legal actions and litigation, hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting employees.
During public comment questions were asked about reimbursements on purchases made through the Park Board.
Comments were made regarding the Feb. 10 public comment section to the minutes.
Comments were made addressing city officials accountability.
Comments were made regarding new member packets for the Zoning Board.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held on Monday, Feb. 27, at city hall. Present were aldermen Bob Snidow, Doyle Patton, Gene Caldwell and Pat Baker; City Administrator Zac Johnson; City Clerk Autumn Acree; Police Chief Mark Richards; Police Chaplain Austin Bonnett; Carla Arnold, Franklin Archer, Norma Griffin, Dan Lockridge, Kate Chrisman, Wilbur and Judy Bush. Mayor John Thomas was absent.