Newly elected West Jefferson councilman Herman Stanley (left) and re-elected councilman Doug Eakins take the oath of office, administered by new Mayor Ray Martin. Eakins, elected to his fifth term, says it is his last.
(Posted Jan. 12, 2016)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
The first village council meeting over which Ray Martin served as mayor was short. Much of the work accomplished was in the area of housekeeping.
During the 40-minute session on Jan. 3, Martin administered the oath of office to recently elected councilmen Doug Eakins, an incumbent, and Herman Stanley, a new-comer. Eakins is starting his fifth term.
“It’s my last term,” Eakins said. “It’s like (former council member) Ron Garver said, ‘20 years is enough’.”
Steve Johnston was named president of council for 2016, and Eakins was selected as vice president.
“I appreciate your support,” Johnston said, “and I hope at the end of the year, I still have your support.”
Eakins also thanked his colleagues for their vote and offered advice to the two newer council members, Stanley, who was elected in November, and Jen Warner, who was appointed late last year.
“Just remember: you’re working for everyone,” he said.
The six council members voted to hire Ronald C. Parsons as law director and J. Michael Murray and Ashli Stonerock as assistant law directors. They are compen-sated $125 per hour for their work for the village. Councilman Jim King tried to table the resolution until Parsons was in attendance, but Johnston said the village had to have a law director early in the year. King did join his five colleagues in casting an affirmative vote.
Council approved the transfer of $20,000 from the general fund into the pool fund. Stanley wanted to know if Parks and Recreation Director John Mitchell could create some events at the pool to help raise money. Martin noted that as special events committee chairman, Stanley could spearhead such events.
Council still has one seat to fill. Martin resigned from his Ward 2 council seat after he was elected mayor. His resignation became effective Dec. 31.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 18.
