City Council ‘Clears The Air’ at Retreat

Monticello City Council members made attempts to “clear the air” during a lengthy called meeting/Retreat last Wednesday.

The meeting was organized to review some unattended agenda items including park reservations and local park improvements, acquire feedback from council persons with any city issues on their lists, and to meet with City Attorney Chris Miranda in executive session regarding real estate.

However, the retreat quickly morphed into a session to address some deep-rooted issues between council members. Mayor Pro Tem Doug Currie verbalized that he wanted to revisit the policy of expenditure amounts that require approval from the board, it’s currently $5,000. Mayor DeAshley Thurman spoke that she felt the request was aimed at her, as new furniture had been ordered for the mayor’s office in the process of renovating the city offices.

“Yes, I ordered new furniture for my office. I may be the youngest person on the council but I need respect,” said the mayor.

Mayor Thurman went on to say that word had gotten back to her from citizens about certain council members citing her as a “weak mayor” and questioning her leadership. She disseminated an email communication that alleged to her job as mayor. She said there were no plans to address any of these personal issues during the retreat, but after some dialogue thought it best to just address it.

“What is it that I’m doing wrong that I’m getting backlash from the council by way of the citizens? If you don’t like me, that’s fine. Just respect me. We can agree to disagree,” she said.

The mayor never referred to any persons by name.

Mayor Pro Tem Currie said he never referred to her as a weak mayor.

“I do respect you. We’ve had disagreements,” he said.

As for the furniture order, City Manager LaThaydra Sands clarified that $10,000 worth of furniture had been ordered for all of city hall with a cost consciousness in mind. She noted that when furniture was ordered for the electric and gas departments nothing about cost was mentioned.

Discussions then went to the chain of command and communication between the front office staff and council. City Clerk Carnethia Pennamon noted that there have been times when council members had overstepped the powers of the office staff to handle and solve citizen issues. There had been times when citizens either completely avoided contacting the city manager or clerk to discuss an issue and went straight to a council member.

She said council members were policy makers and that the staff hired by them were meant to implement those policies, and that if the staff had a problem or issue that could not be solved then council could be referred to for input.

Council member Tim Womack said there have been times when the city manager should have made decisions and council members stepped in overriding her authority.

“No one or two council persons should make decisions that are the responsibility of the front office staff,” Mr. Womack said.

“I want us to get along and do what we’re supposed to do,” noted the mayor.

Council member Jenny Murphy said, “that everybody probably steps out of their lane sometimes and we should do it less.”

In council business, Attorney Miranda referenced the split of the House Bill 581 proceeds between the city, county, and Shady Dale. The attorney suggested asking for 15-30 percent of the proceeds. The county had suggested 12 percent for Monticello but the attorney noted that surveys indicate the city should get more than that.

City Manager Sands reviewed some business items that included power cost adjustment (PCA) analysis, sick leave donation policy, organizing a summer event with performer Corey Gilchrist, and aiding with a Chamber of Commerce special event.

Approved items included Octoberfest at Sands Drive Park and sending the code enforcement vehicle for repairs.

No action was taken following executive session.

Council member Larry Thurman was absent.