With a tap of the gavel, the newly-elected Mayor of Lakeland, Mike Cunningham, called to order his first BOC (Board of Commissiioners) meeting tonight (12.6.18) at City Hall with the crowd overflowing outside Commission chambers.
Prior to the meeting, Mayor Cunningham was sworn into office by Matthew Thornton, followed by the swearing-in ceremonies for two new commissioners: Michele Dial by Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright; and Richard Gonzales Jr. by Paul Prather. There was a reception for the new officials, their families and friends.
All three were elected Nov. 6 (along with three Lakeland School Board members) and certified by the Shelby County Election Commission Nov.26.
Mayor Cunningham noted the day was significant, saying it was 18 years ago to the day when his father, William H. Cunningham Sr. died. He used his father’s Bible tonight for the ceremony. Family friend Doug Meyer gave the invocation.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/n4Ue8Smn29YryTHt7
Link to agenda: https://tn-lakeland.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/804
Commissioners went through agenda items quickly as two commissioners had prior commitments and had to leave early.
A number of items were moved to a special meeting which will be Dec. 19 at City Hall.
During public discussion, Lakeland resident Lou Melton addressed the Board, requesting the City install an ethics officer in addition to the City Attorney. She noted it would be a good step to strengthen and unify the relationship of the Board and with the people.
The consent agenda of past meeting minutes was approved by three commissioners with the Mayor and Commissioner Gonzales abstaining.
Among regular resolution items, acceptance of the audit report for Fiscal Year ending June 30 was deferred to the special meeting, as was an ordinance and first reading amending the Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget. Item number 2 was to elect a vice mayor and liaisons to volunteer City boards. Mayor Cunningham was unsuccessful in nominating Commissioner Gonzales as vice mayor or liaison to any boards by a 3 to 2 vote in favor of other commissioners.
Josh Roman was reelected as vice mayor; Mayor Cunningham will be the liaison to the Municipal Planning/Design Review Commission; Commissioner Wesley Wright will be the liaison to both the Board of Appeals/Stormwater Board of Appeals and Economic Development Commission/Industrial Development Board; and Michel Dial is liaison to Parks and Recreation/Natural Resources Board.
Mayor Cunningham asked about a liaison to the KLB (Keep Lakeland Beautiful) Advisory Board. Because the status of the Board is unknown, the decision was deferred.
The ordinance and final reading amending a fee schedule to include multi-family units was approved unanimously.
A resolution reducing security for public and common improvements in Oakwood Grove subdivision was tabled by vote. Commissioner Gonzales cited issues with streets in his neighborhood and said he thought the City should keep the money. The Vice Mayor asked if the request for reduction was contractual. City Engineer Emily Harrell said the developer can ask for a reduction but this was a letter of credit and not cash. The retained amount would be $95,000, said Mrs. Harrell, noting she felt it was enough to cover the work. Vice Mayor Roman asked to table the resolution and the group approved.
Similar to that resolution was one for The Pet Hospitals which was approved.
Resolutions 7-10 were deferred.
Mayor Cunningham thanked all for attending the meeting, noting he hoped the BOC crowds would continue at future meetings.
Link to Livestream: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8483064
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
