The Tuesday, Nov. 5, Kilmichael Board of Alderman meeting was extensive, with much discussed in the meeting. The first major topic of business was updates on the Kilmichael Volunteer Fire Department’s merger with the Lodi-Minerva VFD given by Fire Chief David Eldridge. Chief Eldridge stated that the merger was approved by the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and the cooperation of the two VFD’s were already underway. In addition, he stated that he requested assistance from the Board of Supervisors in procuring funds for the fire departments to purchase more equipment. He explained that many surrounding counties have recently purchased new engines and equipment, which is something he believes Montgomery County should look into doing for its fire departments. Chief Eldridge further clarified that seeking larger scale funding for the departments is not something that the department Chiefs can do as it would require the involvement of the overseeing governmental entity such as the fire coordinator and county officials. A final note on the topic: the Lodi-Minerva VFD is currently seeking volunteers to serve the area.
Later during the meeting, Board Attorney Lane Greelee informed the Board of logistics regarding the Kilmichael VFD. He stated that the KVFD is a nonprofit corporation, which limits the involvement of the Town of Kilmichael in matters pertaining to the fire department. He clarified that while the town owns the property the department is on, as far as operations go, the influence of the town is limited. He gave the example of the merger agreement process, explaining that since the KVFD is not a government entity, they did not need approval from the Town of Kilmichael to create agreements such as the merger. Attorney Greenlee further explained that the need to receive approval from the county Board of Supervisors was due to the county’s involvement in the funding. In addition, he clarified that all funds dedicated to the fire department should be budgeted in the fire department budget, not through the town budget.
The final major topic of the meeting was regarding the position of City Clerk. Mayor Mark Lawson stated that of 18 applicants, nine were selected for the interview process. During the discussion there was some disagreement on how to conduct the interviews. Initially, Mayor Lawson explained that he and Alderman Clay Eldridge believed it best for three people to conduct the interviewing process, those three people being Mayor Lawson, City Clerk Pauline Hall, and Vice Mayor/Alderman Earnest Curtis. The reasoning behind this position was to prevent undue pressure for interviewees which may be caused by interviewing in front of the entire Board of Alderman. However, approval from the Board would be needed to start the interviewing process. In addition, the Board has a time constraint as the position is expected to be filled and begin training by Dec. 2, 2024.
“I have had several people in my ward tell me that they thought the Board ought to be sitting in the interviews,” Alderman Matt Bennett stated following the explanation.
“I don’t agree with that. - Here’s the problem: I’ve sat on interview boards where there've been nine people [interviewing] and the best candidate rocked out because they were absolutely intimidated by everything.” Mayor Lawson replied, explaining “If you keep it small - we do three at the state - and that is more than sufficient… that normally works. I understand why everybody says they want everybody to be in here, but it’s easy to say that unless they’re the ones sitting at the end of the table in front of all of us.”
In addition to this, another reason given in favor of a smaller interview process is that it would be difficult for all Aldermen to coordinate their schedules for each interview. Board Attorney Greenlee stated that regardless of the mode in which interviews will be conducted, Board approval was non-negotiable. Alderman Bennett requested that the interviewers bring the top three candidates and the reasons for their selection to the Board for close consideration, to keep the rest of the Board involved in the hiring process. It is also important to note at this point that two Aldermen, Wilma Carodine and B.J. Daniels were absent from the meeting. A motion made by Alderman Eldridge, seconded by Alderman Bennett with all in favor, approved for interviews to be conducted by Mayor Lawson, Vice Mayor Curtis, and Clerk Hall with their top three candidates to be brought before the Board for further consideration.
In other Business the Board
• Approved the minutes of the Oct. 29 special called meeting.
• Heard the report of Police Chief Barry Gregg.
• Heard the Public Works Report from Director Josh Pearson.
• Agreed to purchase a new water heater for the old service station at the cost of $240 to be installed by Public Works Director Pearson.
• Approved to pay for tree cutting and removal in the amount of $1,300.
• Agreed for Town Clerk Pauline Hall to pay for claims totaling $3,832.72.
• Approved to publish a letter in The Winona Times regarding a recent audit.
• Accepted request to close City Hall at 12 noon on Nov. 27 in anticipation of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
• Approved for Alderman Matt Bennett to attend the Mississippi Municipal League midwinter conference.
• Noted that the Kilmichael Christmas Parade is to take place Dec. 7.
