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By John Messer
Contributing Writer
Front, l to r: Brother Jerry, Dad Jerry, Mom Norma, Son Zack, Wife Angie, Mayor Wright Gaines, Council Member Cornelius Huff. Back, l to r: Council members Bo Cantrell, Kevin Newman, and Ginger Morrow.
Inman City Council met in regularly scheduled session on Monday, June 14 at 6:00 pm in City Hall. All elected officials and Clerk Henderson were present. Mayor Wright Gaines welcomed all and read the Freedom of Information statement. Police Chaplain Bill Holland gave the invocation and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Minutes of the May council meeting were submitted but not read, and unanimously approved as submitted.
Businessman Shane Daugherty lauded Inman Fire & Police Departments to council for yeoman work in a June 8, 2010 fire at #7 Mill Street, adjacent to Inman Flower Shop. Citing quick response, professionalism, and efficiency, he reported subject blaze was quickly extinguished, with minimal damage to the building ablaze, averting what could have been a catastrophe in Inman’s business district. Captain Bennett, Captain Stewart, and Officer Tucker were singled out. Daugherty also praised responding assisting units, noting that all involved were well trained and utilized appropriate equipment competently.
Chief Glenn Henderson reported Inman Police Activity for May, which included 42 criminal cases, of which 6, or 14%, were for petty larceny, and 5, or 12% for possession of marijuana. 151 traffic citations were issued, 42, or (28% of the total) for speeding, and 37, or (25%) for violation of the seat belt law. Four traffic accidents involving $37,300 in property damage were noted.
Fire Chief Chris Cothran reported on May departmental activities, including: 14 call responses, including 4 lockouts, 2 commercial fires, and 2 special assignments. In addition, all second grade classes from Inman Elementary came to the station for fire prevention instruction and demonstrations.
Supervisor Paul Ricardi of the Street Department and Supervisor Jeff Bailey of the Sanitation Department were on vacation, and departmental reports were not given, but will be forthcoming.
Second reading and unanimous approval was given annexation Ordinance 310-02, concerning property at 348 Split Oak Lane (basically in the Bi-Lo area) with 100 percent of property owners involved petitioning for annexation. This property is in city limits effective immediately.
Other agendaed business included: Presentation of property located at #10 Bishop Street to the Inman Historical Society. This home is more than 130 years old, and was home to Inman’s first Mayor, I. E. Bishop. Great-great granddaughter Jimmy Lou Bishop Hord presented the deed to this home for preservation and use of City functions to Peter Miller and Roger Newman, on behalf of her deceased parents, former Inman Mayor M. J. E. Brown and author/teacher Jimmie Lou Bishop Brown.
Council discussed extending the contract for outdoor billboard advertising with Fairway, which provides two stationary and two mobile billboards. Unanimous approval was given to a 60 day extension proposal before final contract renewal.
Discussion of Bomar and Bobo Streets drainage improvement project
revealed an untenable situation, in which a residency’s foundation is in danger of crumbling, due to discharge of a pipe pointed directly at the structure. Discussion revealed that ownership of this problem is not directly attributable to either city or county, and more information is needed in order to make a proper decision. Council member Morrow will follow up and report back to Council in July.
As a result of a previous council budget workshop, two budgets were presented to council for consideration of fiscal year 2010 - 2011. Budgets were similar except one included a 2% cost of living increase for city employees. Budget accepted is without the 2% COLA, after apprehension was expressed about monies available. It was agreed to accept this budget, with the stipulation it be reviewed after receipt of available funds is made known to City, anticipated at the end of this month. Both proposed budgets show total revenues and expenditures of $963, 000.
Council member Kevin Newman reported the recent car show, Inman Ignites, a great success, with the number of entries the same, with attendance greatly up.
Businessman Roger Newman expressed kudos for the planners, organizers, and sponsors of the recent Music on Mill Street concert series.
Current Mayor Pro-Tem Cornelius Huff presented outgoing Mayor Wright Gaines with a certificate of appreciation/plaque/gavel for sixteen years continuous service, with twelve as council man and four as mayor. (photo)
This meeting was the last for presently constituted council. Former Council Member and Mayor-elect Bo Cantrell will assume office in the July meeting, while former council member Caroline Broyles will resume a seat at this time. In addition to these, the new council will consist of Cornelius Huff, Ginger Morrow, and Kevin Newman.
For more local news and events, see this week’s Inman Times.
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