A very cold Monday night in Sylvester did not stop the room from being full at the work session of the mayor and council for the city of Sylvester.
A special called meeting was held prior to the work session to discuss and consider for approval some business matters as well as the swearing in of elected officials. Consideration for approval of 2014 mayor and council appointments was discussed at this time. This is done at the first meeting annually. The only change made regarded the re-appointment of the city attorney. Council member Larry Johnson suggested making a change regarding the city attorney. Johnson stated his disapproval with some of the decisions made by Attorney Norman Crowe. Mayor Yearta commented he thought everything was fine with the current attorney and it appeared the mayor was caught off guard by Johnson’s recommendation. Council member Charles Jones agreed with the mayor saying the attorney had done a great job for the council.
Council member Melvin Powell offered his agreement with Johnson by saying he agreed there needed to be a change in the position for city attorney. The mayor then called for a vote, which resulted in a 3 to 2 vote in favor of not reappointing Attorney Norman Crowe as the city attorney.
The audience remained silent after the decision was made. When asked about the council’s decision, Crowe stated he was surprised by the council’s actions but that he did appreciate the opportunity to serve Sylvester and the council, as he stated to them before leaving.
Mayor Yearta said after the meeting he was also shocked and hated that it happened. “He was very good to this community and the city council. It will definitely be a loss to us all.”
The council did agree to the following 2014 Mayor and Council Appointments:
Mayor Pro-Tem, Council Member Randy Hill; City Manager, Debbie Bridges; RC Representative, Council Member Randy Hill; City Clerk, Kathy Wise; Assistant City Manager, Tommy Bozeman; Airport, Mayor Bill Yearta and City Manager Debbie Bridges; City Recorder, Willie Weaver; Library Board, Council Member Larry Johnson; MEAG Committee Delegate, Mayor Bill Yearta and Council Member Melvin Powell; Recreation Board, Council Member Melvin Powell; Delegate Chamber of Commerce as Director, Mayor Bill Yearta; Downtown Development Authority, Council Member Melvin Powell; City Solicitor, Attorney Jay Crowe; Indigent Defense Attorney, Attorney Erika Johnson; City Chaplain, Reverend Albert Clinton.
