Kingston Town Council member Danny Southerlend resigned and he was not present for the May 13 meeting when the council voted to terminate Police Chief Kasey Cox by a vote of 3-1.
An agenda item was to discuss Southerlend’s resignation from the board, however, no action was taken.
Town clerk/treasurer Michelle Bearden later said he resigned earlier in the month and she did not know the reason.
In other action, the council approved a request by Marshall County District No. 3 Commissioner Chris Duroy for a 100-foot easement on town property on South First Street next to the county barn. Duroy is wanting to build a shed to house equipment.
No action was taken on discussion by Garrett and Rhonda Schulze, who said water pressure is low on June Drive. Rhonda Schulze said the water pressure is “awful” at her home. Vice Mayor Loren Runyan said the town will investigate and talk to an engineer about installing a booster pump to improve the water pressure.
Council Member Max Ponder asked to make repairs on South Kemp and South Willis streets which need to be filled in. Commissioner Duroy said he can handle that and will fix those streets. Also at the request of Ponder, public works will cut the grass on Highway 70 in the Main part of town.
The council also discussed the following agenda items: - Accepted changes on code enforcement now reporting to the fire department. The town currently does not have a code enforcement officer.
- Took no action on the requirements of various town departments during special events. Fire Chief James Kuykdenall said a check list had been prepared on this.
- Took no action on hiring Harley Scroggins, Billy Wright, Heather Peterson, Harley Marshall, Cody Flaig and Douglas Phelps for KPWA because they were not present.
- Approved pay increases for James Kuykendall and Michael Headding.
- Discussed the town’s pre-employment drug testing policy and Jones said no potential new hire can start until the test comes back negative.
- Voted to reimburse police officers for CLEET reinstatement fees.