It’s become akin to predicting the weather as to whether there will be tension or drama at many local government meetings we cover. Monday night’s Grayville City Council meeting matched the skies outside city hall, partly sunny with just a few scattered clouds. Prior to an 11-minute executive session, Mayor Travis Thompson and commissioners rattled through 13 minutes of standard business. The only nimbus that appeared came from a concerned citizen with regards to the recent discussion surrounding utility charges, disconnection fees and procedures for tenants and landlords. Jerry Pollard gave commissioners a note to think about before moving forward with City Attorney Jay Walden fielding that query.
Pollard: Food for thought, I seen on the agenda where they was gonna discuss utilities again. In the old one, it had where they could condemn the house because the renter didn’t pay utilities…condemning the owner’s house which also affects insurance and being able to insure the house.
Walden: I understand your concern, but it’s one of the things that as a landowner, although the focus isn’t going to be on the tenant versus landowner, as the landowner you need to know that…if that’s what condition the property’s in, it’s uninsurable anyway. If you made a claim, they’d tell you you have no insurance. So, we’ll be very careful about not putting an unnecessary burden on you, but there will be some language in there and you’ll want to take a look at it, for sure.
Commissioner Scott Browning gave a library board update and Commissioner Seth Schonaman updated the council on work to repair some streets including potholes and culvert repair.
Following the brief executive session, Mayor Travis Thompson announced there was discussion regarding an incident on the property of Sherry Gross that dates back two years.
In executive session, there was some discussion about an incident that happened two years ago on Sherry Gross’ property. The city has directed Attorney Walden to inform her of our position on that.
In old business, leaders approved a 2nd reading amending the Grayville Animal Control language as well as a 2nd reading amending the traffic code making West Martin Street a No Parking zone between North State and North First. Both were passed with only Commissioner Andi Ford voting no on the no parking ordinance amendment.
In new business, leaders approved the first reading of an ordinance which would keep Grayville Council meeting dates and times as currently held. Additionally, commissioners annexed 1309 North Main into the city, passed a resolution to replace a culvert using Motor Fuel Tax funds totaling $12,868, and approved a first reading approving an intergovernmental agreement between Grayville and Poseyville allowing Scott Irvine to assist Poseyville in the event of an emergency. Finally, leaders signed off on the first reading which will eventually formalize the sale of properties at 117 East Martin and 611 Water Street. Bids on those properties were accepted at the June 22nd meeting. A $2,000 bid on the 611 S. Water Street property was accepted from Kenny Goldman and a bid of $7,513 on 117 East Martin Street from Pam House was accepted.
Council adjourned at 7:33pm.