MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

CITY COMMISSION-CITY HALL

August 27, 2001 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Ray opened the meeting; City Mgr. Lay gave the invocation.

Vice-Mayor Creasy made the motion to approve the minutes to the 2 previous meetings as received, seconded by Comm. Jones.  Said motion was approved unanimously.

CITIZENS TO ADDRESS COMMISSION

Mrs. Josephine Ray addressed the Commission on former Chief Gene Seitz’s behalf.  She read statement she had prepared stating his being a decorated Veteran and thought that he showed explementary leadership.

Mr. Jim Moore ask the Commission to explain the reason why Chief Seitz had been fired.

City Mgr. Lay explained it was entirely his decision.  He explained some of the issues involved with the firing.

Several other citizens spoke concerning Gene.

Comm. Vencion stated he had 2 officers sit in his living room and they told him they had no problem with former Chief Seitz.

Vice-Mayor Creasy stated he didn’t know anything about the firing until 11:00 p.m. that night and he was terribly upset.  He stated he had spoken to every officer and they did not indicate any problems.

Officer Michael Parson addressed the crowd and stated that when he had first come to the Police Department he looked upon Chief Seitz as a father figure and  within the last 2 or 3 months he had lost respect for him.  He stated there was a lot going on that the people do not know.

Gene stood up and stated a citizen had came to him about Comm. Jones working at the Sportsplex.  He stated he then contact the Attorney General to ask about this.  Also he stated Officer Parson had come to him on occasion about leadership with Lt. Doug Bolitho.  He also stated Officer Parson had been in 5 different Police Departments in 4 years.

Comm.  Jones told the crowd that a rumor had been started that 3 of the Commission had told City Mgr. Lay that if he didn’t fire Chief Seitz then they would fire him.

Jim Moore ask if the Commission would formulate a motion to reinstate Chief Seitz.

Comm. Vencion stated the Commission did not have the authority to do this.

Mrs. Josephine Ray made a recommendation City Mgr. Lay reinstate Chief Seitz.  City Mgr. Lay stated he would take this into consideration.

Carolyn Sue Seitz ask what time frame does he need to consider this.  City Mgr. Lay stated he considered it and he would not change his decision.

Several other citizens were concerned that Chief Seitz was fired with only 14 months left until he can retire.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Gilbert stated they have been doing routine work, some mowing of City streets and have repaired some water line breaks.

Mayor Ray ask how far City water goes on Ty Camp Road.  Gilbert stated it stops at the Marvin Staggs residence.

Dean Harrison gave an update on the Water Plant.  He told the Commission about his conversation with Kenneth Gentry concerning the wells.

Dean also stated as soon as the materials come in they would get right on their portion of work at the Water Plant.

6A)  BUDGET

No decisions was made on the budget.

Comm. Vencion made the motion to adjourn seconded by Comm. Jones.  Said meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. 

VISITORS PRESENT: A HOST OF CITIZENS

MEMBERS PRESENT: