In a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 23, a meeting which was postponed for one week due to ice storms, the Louisville Board of Aldermen unanimously adopted two resolutions that were put before them by Mayor Will Hill.
The first resolution was to recognize and honor the life and service of Jerry Donald to the City of Louisville and the Louisville Utility Authority. The resolution states that Donald, who passed away on February 13, served 23 years on the Louisville Utility Authority Board, showing the highest regard for financial stewardship while providing quality service, and spent his life in service to others through church, community and business, touching the lives of many. The resolution was formally adopted with ‘aye’ votes from Aldermen Eugene Crosby, Drew Massey, and Alderwomen Judy McLeod and Gwenita Mays.
Hill also put before the Board a “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS” PROCLAMATION, honoring the 2020 Louisville High School Football Wildcats, Head Coach Tyrone Shorter and staff, and the student body and families, and the entire school, upon a historic 10th state championship by Louisville High School. The proclamation further states that due to the COVID pandemic the team was not honored as it should have been, and officially proclaims the week of March 1-5 as WILDCAT WEEK. This proclamation was unanimously adopted with ‘aye’ votes from Aldermen Eugene Crosby and Drew Massey, and Alderwomen Judy McLeod and Gwenita Mays.
Toby Sanford, Golden Triangle Planning and Development, met with the Board to discuss census and redistricting. Sanford pointed out that due to the pandemic’s effect on the census process, this census and any redistricting will have no affect on the 2021 municipal elections. He added that if redistricting is required there will probably be three plans put forward which must be approved by the City of Louisville and Winston County, and new lines cannot be drawn in such a way as to displace a sitting alderman. The Board voted unanimously to contract with Golden Triangle Planning if redistricting is necessary.
In other action, the Board:
• Voted 4-0 to acknowledge the completion of the 2018-2019 Audit and give notice of availability of the audit report. Hill added that the City of Louisville is current and in compliance with all state and federal regulations, and has consistently remained current. The Board also voted 4-0 to pay Watkins, Ward and Stafford in the amount of $32K.
• Voted 4-0 to acknowledge the TAP #2 Grant Award from MDOT for $300K to improve sidewalks on N. Columbus, Mill Street and Court Street. This grants requires a 20% match from the City.
• Voted 4-0 to acknowledge a Homeland Security for equipment for Louisville Fire Dept.
• Voted 4-0 to authorize the purchase of a mobile kitchen, to provide concession opportunities for Parks & Recreation, in lieu of trying to equip full concession areas at a five locations.
• Voted 4-0 to authorize contract revisions for raises for contract workers.
The Louisville Board of Aldermen meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
