Though only three items were on the agenda, the Town of Vaiden’s special-called meeting Monday night lasted close to an hour with most of that time being spent behind closed doors.
The first order of business was to approve the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, along with advertising for engineers. The item passed with unanimous approval.
The police department was the next item on the agenda, though no specific details were included about what would be discussed.
“The next item on the agenda is the police department, and I know each one of you all knows why we’re here," Mayor Stella Washington-Bell began, addressing the Board members. “We're here to discuss the Chief of Police employment here.”
Both City Attorney Tangala Hollis-Palmer and Alderwoman Lesia Hemphill were present via telephone. Mayor Washington-Bell then consulted with Hollis-Palmer about whether the Board needed to enter into executive session.
“Is this regarding a personnel issue in relation to job performance?” Attorney Hollis-Palmer asked.
“It is – job performance,” Mayor Washington-Bell responded. “It is related to Derrick Scott.”
Attorney Hollis-Palmer then suggested that the Board handle Scott’s matter, who is chief of police, in executive session. It was then motioned and passed unanimously.
After approximately 40 minutes in executive session, the Board reopened the meeting to the public, allowing attendees to return to the board room.
“What’s required is that you let the public know that a request will be made of the current employee, whose qualifications were discussed, and job performance were discussed,” Hollis-Palmer informed the board. “A request was made in reference to the issue that was discussed.”
“OK, is there anything that we need to add to this Attorney?” Mayor Washington-Bell asked.
“No, ma’am,” Attorney Hollis-Palmer replied.
Alderwoman Hemphill then motioned that both Mayor Washington-Bell and Chief Scott exchange the required paperwork regarding the issues discussed in executive session with each other by Wednesday, Feb. 26. If the deadline is not met, the Chief would face suspension until the documents are provided, according to the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The nature of the required paperwork and specific concerns about Chief Scott’s job performance were not disclosed publicly. Under Mississippi’s Open Meetings Act, only the final actions must be announced in open session.
The final agenda item was to reschedule the March Board meeting, which was unanimously rescheduled for March 5 at 6 p.m.
