BLYTHEWOOD – A short agenda made for a long meeting at Monday night’s regular monthly council meeting. And while the first item for business was agenda item II A: ‘Pledge to Practice and Promote Civility in the Town of Blythewood,’ there was considerable consternation at the dais before council got to item “A.”
Since Mayor Sloan Griffin permanently removed the agenda item ‘Approval of Agenda’ just after taking office, there is not an easy way for another council member to get the agenda amended at a meeting. Councilwoman Erica Page found her opportunity immediately after the ‘Notification and Posting of the Meeting Agenda’ agenda item and before the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ agenda item to ask the mayor’s permission to amend the agenda by adding two items.
“Ok, uh …” Griffin hesitated.
“We can do that singular or do the two items together,” Paige said.
“Which two items?” Griffin asked.
“The ones I’d like added,” she responded.
“Which two items?” Griffin repeated.
“A Town financial statement report with regard to budget versus actual, incrementally, and what changes and progressions we’re making this fiscal budget year. The second is the Town’s goal setting and strategic planning,” she responded.
After a lengthy explanation about how staff would not be prepared to go into the financial statement and budget at the meeting, Griffin said the budget is online for her to look at and that she is welcome to ask the town’s director of finance questions at any time.
After more of that discussion, council voted unanimously to email their ideas to him for what they want included on monthly/quarterly financial reports. Likewise they were to suggest dates for scheduling a strategic meeting.
Pledge for Civility
Following the discussion about the addition of Page’s proposed agenda items, council voted unanimously to promote civility in the Town, as it did previously in August of 2023.
Painting Town Hall
Council also voted to accept a bid from First Class Construction for $89,066.31 to provide interior and exterior repairs and improvements to Town Hall, including but not limited to a restorative exterior painting, gutters, interior painting, window repairs and office configuration. The other two bids were Corley Enterprises LLC for $96,500.00 and Mathews Brothers Builders for $165,000.
Remote Attendance
Mayor Griffin proposed an ordinance to amend Section 30.05 and Section 30.12 of the Town of Blythewood Code of Ordinances to Allow for Remote Attendance by Council Members at Town Council Meetings.
After a lengthy discussion as to the pros and cons of a remote attendance ordinance, council voted to postpone discussion and voting on the item until a later meeting.
Property Purchase
Council entered executive session for legal advice regarding a potential property acquisition, but did not discuss or vote on the issue following executive session.
The next town council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2024.
