The Winona Board of Aldermen held a brief meeting on Dec. 17, lasting less than 20 minutes. With no scheduled guests, the Board efficiently handled routine business. All members attended except Ward 2 Alderman Travis Johnson.
“Before I go any further, I would like to extend a heartfelt prayer that we could remember Alderman Johnson, who is dealing with some major issues right now,” Mayor Aaron Dees began. “That’s why he’s not able to be in his seat tonight. So, let’s remember him.”
The Board unanimously approved the Dec. 3 meeting minutes following a motion by Ward 4 Alderman Charles Harris, seconded by Ward 1 Alderman Mickey Austin. They also unanimously approved regular bill payments, water and sewer adjustments, and rental deposit reimbursements for both the community house and center.
Next on the agenda was the ARPA allocation and MOUs discussion.
"Inside of your packets you should have an ARPA expenditure list that tells you where the money has gone, the check number, everything about it with a total, and the total left to allocate. Did y'all have any questions?" Mayor Dees asked.
The present Board members had no questions. Alderman Harris motioned to approve, Alderman Austin seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
The discussion turned to the city's recent vehicle purchases for the Street Department and Animal Control Officer. City Clerk Tracy Holcomb explained that while they had planned to give one truck to Animal Control due to heating issues and the vehicle's presumed age, they discovered the existing Animal Control truck was newer and in better condition than expected.
"We have purchased the four vehicles, and since the Police Department had not gotten any of the ARPA funds benefits, that one vehicle, I would like to have it go to Chief Daniels," Clerk Holcomb said.
She noted that repairs were underway to fix the heating in the Animal Control truck. However, Ward 5 Alderwoman Linda Purnell maintained that the Board should stick to its original decision.
"We voted for you to get a new truck, so you get the new truck," Alderwoman Purnell said.
City Attorney Adam Kirk advised that the Board could rescind and revote on their original decision if they chose to do so. The Board proceeded without making any changes to their original motion designating one truck for the Animal Control Officer.
