By Jennifer Moody For Lebanon Local The City of Lebanon has begun accepting applications to fill an… The post Lebanon council to fill vacant slot appeared first on Lebanon Local.
By Jennifer Moody
For Lebanon Local
The City of Lebanon has begun accepting applications to fill an open spot on the Lebanon City Council, with an appointment expected by February.
Councilors on Wednesday, Dec. 10, officially declared a vacancy in Ward I in the position that had been held by Carl Mann.
Wednesday’s meeting also included an update on a plan to clear property where people have been camping, approval of the purchase of two city LINX buses, and a closed session to evaluate the city manager and city attorney.
Mann submitted his resignation effective Dec. 4, saying “current circumstances” prevent him from completing his term. Neither Mann nor the council elaborated.
Mann’s term in office was set to expire Dec. 31, 2026. The person appointed will fill that remaining year.
Ward I represents the southwestern section of the city. The boundaries are roughly West Oak Street to the north and Second Street-South Main Street to the east.
City rules allow an at-large candidate to be appointed if no candidate who lives in the ward applies for the slot within six weeks of the vacancy, councilors learned. City Recorder Julie Fisher said applications will be accepted until the council meets for interviews on Jan. 28. More information is available by contacting City Hall.
City Manager Ron Whitlatch reviewed a cleanup plan at the former Champion Mill site near Cheadle Lake, where city officials are continuing to do environmental assessments in preparation for redevelopment.
Whitlatch said the property owners have been working with the city on a cleanup plan, but camping in the area has continued and litter is increasing. Therefore, Whitlatch said, the next step is code enforcement.
Whitlatch said he estimates three or four 40-yard trash containers will be needed to dispose of refuse on the property, and city crews will need to be dispatched to clear out the brush. Work likely will be done in the next few weeks, he said. Property owners “are very amenable” to working with the city and have agreed to the current plan to pay for the trash containers and have a lien on the property until all cleanup costs are paid.
Police respond to the area frequently, Whitlatch said. Seven people were arrested and trespassed during the most recent visit. However, he said, they tend to return because their belongings are still on site.
Every time city representatives are at the property, they bring resources and try to sign campers up for social services, Whitlatch said. However, he told councilors, no one has taken advantage of the offers so far, nor do they pay trespassing fines or show up for court.
“We don’t have the jail space,” he added.
In other business, councilors approved using state and federal grant funds to purchase a new LINX Transit bus and a replacement LINX bus, one at $137,000 and the other at $144,000.
They adjourned into closed session for the annual performance evaluation for Whitlatch and City Attorney Tré Kennedy. Councilors took no action following the closed session, but Mayor Kenneth Jackola said after the meeting that the council is pleased with their service.
Specifically, Jackola praised Kennedy for his “sound and effective legal services” and the way he helps councilors, staff and the public understand complex issues. He said Whitlatch is a strategic thinker who cares about finding solutions, particularly when looking at what the city will need for the future.
“They’re both very professional, very dedicated to their duty and to the city,” Jackola said.
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