WALTERS CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Walters City Council Meeting Minutes
August 6, 2024

The Walters City Council met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on August 6, 2024, at the Walters City Hall. Attendees included Mayor Jonathan Morgan, Vice-Mayor Sherri Flanagan, Councilmen Aaron Russell, Jim Keesee, Byrum W. Eidson, City Clerk Sheri Davis, City Manager Matt LaFee, and Attorney Jack Mackey.

Opening:

• Aaron Russell opened the meeting with prayer.
• Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.

Visitors Present:

• Officer Riley Wagner, Tyler Smith, Lynne-Adene Thompson, Code Enforcement Clerk Candy Simms, Debbie Horridge, Karen Price, Patricia Watkins, Accounts Payable Clerk Karla Eschiti, Brett and Nannette High, Judge Mike Flanagan.

Item #3: Approval of the Consent Agenda

• Motion to approve by Wes Eidson, seconded by Aaron Russell.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Russell, Eidson, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None
• Approval of July 2, 2024, regular City Council meeting minutes.
• Approval of purchase orders and signing of checks for all City funds presented at the 8-6-2024 council meeting and ratification of routine checks subsequent to the 7-2-2024 regular council meeting.

Item #4: Sale of the Department of Corrections Building

• Brett High’s bid of $80,165.00 accepted.
• Motion to accept by Jim Keesee, seconded by Sherri Flanagan.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Eidson, Russell, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #5: Approval of Remediation Board and Public Nuisance Administrative Hearing Minutes

• Motion to approve by Wes Eidson, seconded by Jim Keesee.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Eidson, Russell, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #6: Fire Department 80/20 Forestry Grant Application

• Motion to approve by Aaron Russell, seconded by Wes Eidson.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Eidson, Russell, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #7: Surplus of Police Department Vehicles

• Approval for surplus of 2017 Ford Taurus, 2014 Dodge Charger, and 2013 Ford Taurus.
• Motion by Jim Keesee, seconded by Aaron Russell.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Flanagan, Russell, Eidson, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #8: Process to Close Platted Street, Taylor

• Motion by Jim Keesee, seconded by Wes Eidson.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Eidson, Russell, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #9: New Playground Equipment Purchase

• Approval for City Manager to sign letter of intent with American Parks Company for $52,803.00.
• Motion by Wes Eidson, seconded by Jim Keesee.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Russell, Eidson, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #10: Write-Off of Old Meter Deposit Funds

• Write-off $70.15 of old meter deposit funds.
• Motion by Aaron Russell, seconded by Jim Keesee.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Russell, Eidson, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #11: Attendance at OML Conference

• Approval for any Council member to attend.
• Motion by Wes Eidson, seconded by Aaron Russell.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Russell, Eidson, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #12: Nomination for OMAG Board

• Nomination of Robert Johnston.
• Motion by Sherri Flanagan, seconded by Wes Eidson.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Russell, Eidson, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #13: Surplus of 2- and 4-Yard Dumpsters

• Approval for City Manager to sell in bulk.
• Motion by Jim Keesee, seconded by Aaron Russell.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Russell, Eidson, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Item #14: Ordinance 586 – Electric Rate Increase

• Approval of Ordinance 586 to increase electric rates, effective September 16, 2024.
• Motion by Sherri Flanagan, seconded by Aaron Russell.
• Vote: Ayes – Morgan, Russell, Eidson, Flanagan, Keesee; Nays – None

Public Comments:

• Deborah Horridge noted the Senior Citizens Center as a cooling center, open from 8-6, with contact available via their Facebook page.

City Manager’s Report:

• Success of the rodeo and powwow.
• Roadwork on 2600 and 2610 roads, Cemetery entrance improvements, pothole filling.
• Awaiting REAP funds for west side roads.
• DEQ addressed sewer dumping issue.
• Life Hope donating Amazon items to schools.
• OWRA water audit and 3D mapping planned.
• Exploration of a splash pad and drainage problem solutions with the Highway Department.

Adjournment:

• Purchase orders approved and checks signed.