Tensas Gazette Public Notices for Jan. 10, 2024
TOWN OF NEWELLTON
REGULAR MEETING
December 13, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: On December 13, 2023, at 5:30p.m. the board of aldermen, and alderwomen met in regular session for their monthly town meeting. Those present were Mayor Timothy Turner, Patricia Washington, Jacquelin Hankins, Mattie Sampson, Richard Dunmore and Ben Britton. Deborah Parson was absent. Also, present was Brittany Smith, Chris Baker, Iris Rollins, Jackie Ford, Odessa Chase, Michael Kelly, Teri Pickens, Elijah Washington, Brenda Washington, Sharon Britton, Emmanuel Lewis, Wanda Thomas, Lee Andrew Carroll, Chief of Police Desmond Ford and Asst Chief Roderick Davis.
PRAYER: There being a quorum present Ben Britton opened the meeting with a prayer at 5:36pm.
MINUTES: On a motion by Jacquelin Hankins seconded by Ben Britton and unanimously carried the minutes were approved.
BILLS: On a motion by Ben Britton seconded by Jacquelin Hankins and unanimously carried the bills were approved for payment.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. Lee Andrew Carroll expressed concerns about the town implementing a curfew time for minors that are hanging out late at night. Sharon Britton announced the upcoming Christmas Parade for Newellton that she will be hosting on December 23, 2023, at 2pm. She has encouraged all family and friends to come out and enjoy.
PAN AMERICAN ENGINEERS: Mr. Emmanuel Lewis came before the board to introduce himself as the Town of Newellton new agent for Pan American Engineers. Mr. Lewis spoke with citizens as well as the council members about the different types of grants fundings that are available. He assured the citizens and council members that he will work hard to try to bring as many grant fundings to the town that he can.
RESOLUTION: The mayor presented the council members with a resolution requesting that the governor would reclassify the town as a village due to the decrease of citizens within the town. On a motion by Ben Britton seconded by Richard Dunmore and unanimously carried with all in approval. The Resolution was passed, approved and adopted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On a motion by Jacquelin Hankins seconded by Richard Dunmore and unanimously carried the board members went out of regular session into executive session at 6:08 pm. On a motion by Jacquelin Hankins seconded by Ben Britton the board members went out of executive session back into regular session at 6:34pm.
Action taken: Chief Desmond Ford made recommendation to the board members to terminate Officer Willie Gaines, Jr. On a motion by Ben Britton seconded by Jacquelin Hankins and unanimously carried officer Willie Gaines, Jr was terminated.
Mr. Richard Dunmore presented each council member and Mayor with a copy of his resignation notice effective December 22, 2023. He thanked the mayor and council members for working along beside him during his years served on the board.
TIMOTHY TURNER, MAYOR
PATRICIA WASHINGTON, CLERK
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