TRACY HARRIS – Staff Writer
The Lewisburg City Council met on April 9, 2024. The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The first order of business was Mayor Jim Bingham presenting certificates of appreciation to Parks & Recreation employees Jerry Adams and James “Buddy” Wiles. The minutes from March were approved followed by bills and financial statements.
Old business included two items. First was the approval of the second and final reading of Ordinance 24-05, a Zoning Ordinance amendment to Article V, Section 5.060 Chart 1 – Uses Permitting Listing to allow restaurants in the I-2 (Industrial Park) after it received a favorable recommendation from Planning and Zoning on Jan. 30 – motion passed. Second was the approval of the second reading the Ordinance 24-06 to amend Ordinance 23-26 and approve budget amendments for the 2023-2024 budget – motion passed.
New business included amending the personnel policy regarding the retirement plan, selling a mower that isn’t repairable on GovDeals, using ARPA funds toward departmental requests as recommended by the budget committee, and installing streetlights on Ella Ct., Morgan Meadows Dr., Caroline Ct., and Anna’s Way.
In other business, City Manager Bam Haislip gave updates on a new administrative assistant, upcoming interviews, and a current job posting. Director’s Reports were given by Public Works – they have hired 5 seasonal workers for Lone Oak Cemetery but are looking for three more. Fire Department – received a $750 stipend and will use it towards a home fire sprinkler demo. Police Department – in March, there were 1,211 calls for service, 33 new cases, and they have hired three new officers. Parks & Rec – lap pool is open but the heater is down again, they have ordered the part-it’s a simple fix this time. Treasurer – the city is approaching the end of the fiscal year on a positive note financially.
Mayor Bingham asked for any and all other business. Council Member Joe Bradford announced he received an email from a concerned citizen who identified themselves as a paramedic with 16 years of experience who had concerns about Marshall County EMS. Bradford said that the email wanted “the City Council to use its influence and voice to advocate for the needs of Marshall County EMS with the county government.” There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Following the City Council meeting, The Marshall County Post received a copy of the email Council Member Bradford brought up. The heading said it was sent from Faith Walker. It was dated Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 9:28 a.m. and was sent to all Council Members, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Mayor. The email uses phrases like “many of us have advocated,” “we are unable to meet these standards,” and “this shortfall directly impacts our ability,” indicating the sender, Faith Walker, is affiliated with Marshall County EMS. Marshall County EMS said they do not have an employee named Faith Walker on Friday, April 12.
On Saturday, April 13, The Marshall County Post received an email from Faith Walker’s email address. The email stated that the person writing the email “is in fact a current employee of Marshall County EMS and is keeping [their] identity anonymous for now due to the potential of retaliation from the Marshall County Mayor. Out of everyone working at EMS, I have the least to lose but for the time being, I will stay anonymous.”
For more information on the two emails, please see next week’s article “A Community at Risk.” It will cover the challenges that paramedics and EMTs are facing in Marshall County, scheduling issues, upcoming training in August, staffing shortages, and more.
