The first meeting of the Eutaw City Council for 2012 was uneventful.

Most of the discussion and business was conducted in a 35 minutes executive session, which lasted from 6:05 to 6:40 PM,  to discuss “the good name and character” of a person or persons who were not named.

Before requesting the executive session, Councilman Joe Powell requested to add several items to the agenda including, work schedules for city employees, overtime and an ordinance. Upon returning from the closed session, Powell requested, “that at the advice of Legal Counsel, I am withdrawing my request for addendums to the agenda.”

The Council approved the minutes of its December 13, 2011 meeting. Bills and claims for the past month were also approved by the Council. Councilwoman Hattie Edwards questioned the high cost for installation of a security system for City Hall which included a $518 computer monitor. The Mayor said the system was needed and had to be upgraded to meet requirements.

Claims against the City for a sewage back-up were presented by Martha James and the Cotton family which adjoins her. The Mayor recommended turning the claims, which were for a total of less than $800, over to the Legal Counsel for review. Councilman David Spencer said he was familiar with the incident and the claims since they were in his district. He said the claims were “conservative” and moved that they be paid immediately. The Council agreed and these claims were paid.

Councilwoman Edwards asked if the Council was able to cut the grass on vacant lots that were overgrown. Mayor Steele said funds were not available for that purpose.

Councilman Powell recommended that the City complete work on its Personnel Manual so all employees would be able to understand the work rules.            

Powell also recommended that the Council consider purchasing a narcotics dog for the Eutaw Police Department with funds coming to the City from electronic bingo. Police Chief Derick Coleman said that a trained narcotics dog would cost $7,000 or more. This suggestion was deferred to another meeting. Councilwoman Sheila Smith said it would be a good idea to “earmark” moneys from bingo so that they would be used for specific needed and constructive purposes.

In the public comments section of the meeting, Ms. Jerry Glenn urged the Council members and the Mayor to work together in the new year. Mr. Harper of Boligee asked about water leaks. Mayor Steele said that the staff told him that all water leaks in Boligee were repaired this week.

Ron Edwards, a Eutaw resident, asked why the City Council did so much of its business in executive sessions if it wanted citizens to attend the meetings. “You should get your agenda and plans together before the meetings and do your business in public not behind closed doors,” said Edwards.