By Taylor Mayde
The Cherokee Village City Council met Oct. 21 for their regular monthly meeting. Council members were Councilman Thomas Rupard and Councilman Carr Hill were absent with all others present.
Councilman Jerry Adams was recognized for his 12 years of service to the city and his service as the Chairman of Village Pride. Adams is moving out of state to be closer to his children and grandchildren, which will open a vacancy on the council for Ward 4.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve on the council. I’ve made a lot of friends and a few enemies. I’ve enjoyed it and learned a lot.” said Councilman Adams.
Another vacancy is open on the council for Ward 2 as Councilman Rupard is also moving out of the area.
If any citizen of Cherokee Village that resides in either ward is interested in filling the vacancy, they may visit city hall and pick up a petition to gain signatures. The Cherokee Village Administrative Assistant will be placing an ad with local media pertaining to the two vacancies. The council will interview applicants and vote on the replacements at the November meeting.
During his report, Mayor Russell Stokes announced that the settlement pertaining to the litigation brought upon the city was approved by the judge on Wednesday at the Ash Flat Courthouse.
“The city will have some challenges as we move into 2022 on the financial side, but I think this body will be able to meet those challenges and we will be able to provide the services that we have always provided,” Stokes said.
Councilman Steve Thompson complimented the Mayor on his work with ARDOT for the road construction being done on Iroquois.
By unanimous vote, Penny Trumpy will now serve as the Cherokee Village City Clerk. “We had two applicants for that position, and one withdrew due to taking another job,” Stokes said.
Trumpy will finish the term through 2022 that was left vacant by the previous clerk.
Under new business, the council voted to accept the 2020 legislative audit. The council also passed resolution 2021, a resolution regarding premium pay provided by the American Rescue Plan Act which was signed into law on March 11.
This will provide financial support to city employees who worked and risked exposure to COVID-19 during the pandemic. Stokes stated that the city has 35 employees who will receive compensation provided by this act.
The total received from the federal government by Cherokee Village is $190,000. These funds will be dispersed under the guidelines directed by the American Rescue Plan. Per the municipal league, elected officials are not eligible for these funds.
Under new business, the council voted to accept the 2020 legislative audit. The council also passed resolution 2021, a resolution regarding premium pay provided by the American Rescue Plan Act which was signed into law on March 11.
The Cherokee Village City Council meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
Submitted
This material was submitted by a member of the community, and Hallmark Times would like to thank them for sharing with us!
