Governing body increasing number from three to five

By RANDALL ALLEN

Horizon Reporter

CELINA-City of Celina aldermen voted to expand their governing body from three to five members last week, and repair progress being made at the city’s sewer plant was also discussed at the November meeting.

Speaking to the board, alderman Mike Boles said, “(We) have a resolution to add two additional aldermen to the city council.”

“That will be in the election in August of next year, correct?” alderman Kenny Westmoreland asked, to which Boles replied, “That is correct.”

“This is a process that was already approved by a previous administration,” Boles said.  “It didn’t make it in time to get on the ballot, so we have to ratify it so it becomes law.

“These two individuals will be added in the August election.  Whoever gets in will be sworn in, in September.  It will be an abbreviated term.”

Alderman Tracy Mills made a motion to approve the addition of two new aldermen.  Westmoreland seconded the motion and it passed 3-0.

In other business, city attorney William Birdwell updated city legislators on progress at the sewer plant.

According to Birdwell, the city has met some recent deadlines and will be working on a construction budget.

“After the planning meeting, I went back and looked at some of the issues that (sewer plant supervisor) Jason Hamilton mentioned,” Birdwell said.  “The most recent deadlines sent out in the consent order have been met, so we are right on track, complying with the deadline by TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation).”

The city attorney also spoke to aldermen about future steps and deadlines regarding the clean-out project at the sewer plant.

“The next thing on the horizon, director Hamilton is working on a construction budget, before December 1,” Birdwell said.  “So that it can be formatted into the remaining money that is available… So, between the deadlines that have been met and what appears to be a first successful and received request for (grant) refunds, now that the city is at the helm of this, instead of the general contractor.

“We are seeing light at the end of the tunnel.  It seems like it is a better report this month, than most.”