Residents want Caler back on job
Posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008
ELKINS -- Residents filled the District Court Building Thursday, May 1, to ask the mayor to reinstate city superintendent Kevin Caler, who had been fired the week before.
Mayor Jack Ladyman was out of town though and not at the meeting much to the expressed disappointment of the citizens.
Sunni Ledford addressed the council stating a petition had been circulating around town on behalf of Caler. "We feel the [water ] utilities cannot run effectively without Kevin," Ledford said.
There was a suggestion from several citizens that the council reinstate Caler, but Danny Wright, city attorney, said he wasn't sure that would be legal and it would be best to wait until the mayor was back in town.
Alderman Jeremy Stevens agreed. "If we're talking about a discussion, I think it's an unwise decision to continue that without either of the parties involved present."
A motion was made to hold a special called meeting on Wednesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. with Ladyman and Caler present to discuss the issue. It was approved by all aldermen but Stevens, who abstained because he will be out of town on that date.
The council prior to this discussion renewed the contract for a school resource officer, and authorize the destruction of records maintained by Elkins District Court that meet dates provided by state regulations.
Wright read a proclamation declaring May 15 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day.
The Water and Sewer Committee had recommended the council pass a one cent sales tax initiative to be allocated to the Water and Sewer Capital Improvements plans. The council unanimously agreed to move forward to obtain a one cent sales tax to pay for a bond to replace old water lines with new ones.
The council gave its approval to move the 45 mph speed limit west of the new Commerce Center.
Alderperson Bonnie Wilcox reminded council members and citizens attending of Alzheimer's Week scheduled from May 17-24.
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