The Grayville City Council appointed a new finance commissioner and took steps toward creating a new city position during Monday night’s meeting.
Following a 13-minute executive session, the council selected Connor Neeley to complete the term of former Finance Commissioner Andi Ford, who resigned August 24th. Ford had served on the council for about three and a half years.
The council also authorized City Attorney Jay Walden to prepare an ordinance creating a combined economic development coordinator and police department administrative assistant position. The city will begin advertising the position while the ordinance goes through the required approval process. The council’s published agenda listed personnel matters among the permitted topics for its executive session.
Resident Cindy Elliott also addressed Commissioner Scott Browning regarding comments she said had been made concerning a Grayville police officer attending the Grayville Days pageant. Browning disputed Elliott’s characterization, saying he had only asked questions about what he observed and that he respected the city’s law enforcement officers. The discussion continued briefly before Walden directed the council to move on.
Mayor Travis Thompson reported improved attendance at the city swimming pool this season. Admissions increased by about 600 people, and the pool finished the season with a net loss of approximately $25,487, compared with about $28,569 last year.
The council set trick-or-treat hours for October 30 and 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. each night. It also approved ending the current brush dump contract and moving the site south of the sewer lagoon. Those matters were among the items listed on Monday’s published agenda.
Commissioners approved an agreement involving property at 822 North Second Street, with Guisewite Excavating to demolish the structure for $3,600. The city also approved purchasing three historical markers for the Gray Opera House, Gray Stables and former Agricultural Fair site at a total cost of $4,755.
A gazebo shelter will also be added at the city campground. Elite Bins is donating the materials, while the city will pay $4,000 for labor from the Revolving Loan Fund.
Commissioner Baldwin reported that the latest addition to the Veterans Memorial is about halfway complete and that additional memorial bricks are available.
The council is scheduled to meet again September 28th.