By Nathan Prewett
For the Tribune
ARGO – Tensions that have arisen between members of the Argo City Council were relieved as the resignation of Fire Chief Mike Platts was accepted at a regular meeting on Monday night. The decision follows months of disagreement over Platts’ request to be reclassified from full-time to part-time at the Argo fire department as he took a job with the fire department in Homewood.
Three days before tonight’s meeting, Platts submitted his resignation as chief of the fire department. Argo Mayor Betty Bradley declined to comment until the Monday night meeting would be held where she would read Platts’ resignation aloud as well as her own statement.
Related article: Sources: Argo Fire Chief has resigned following months of tension
Discussion on Platts was much calmer compared the last meeting held on Feb. 13 which was marked by a heated exchange between the mayor and Councilor Corkey Massey. In previous meetings the council became divided over Platts’ request, eventually agreeing to allow a six-month trial that expired in January.
At the meeting tonight, Massey said that he had asked Platts for his resignation in order to allow the council to “move on” from the issue.
“I asked Mike for his resignation,” he said. “I’ll go to my grave thinking we did the town wrong and we did him wrong. But after so long a time you’ve got to get past this kind of stuff. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. It’s just time to move on.”
Platts echoed Massey’s feelings in his letter.
“I have proudly worked for the Argo fire department for 28 years,” he said. “I feel like I’ve been able to make a difference in the community over the years. However my position here in Argo has become divisive for some council members and some citizens. For this reason I feel like it is best for me to resign and put all of this behind us. This will allow the department to continue to move forward in a positive manner.”
In the letter, Platts said that he would be willing to continue to serve until a replacement is determined.
“If the council agrees, I will continue to be the fire chief until a new fire chief is found at which point my resignation will be official to allow the new chief to step in. It has been a pleasure serving the citizens of Argo. The firefighters at the Argo fire department are some of the finest firefighters you will ever meet. The memories of serving with the department will be cherished for the rest of my life.”
In Bradley’s statement she thanked Platts for his service in the department and stressed the need to fill the position.
“Countless lives have been impacted by his work in the Argo fire department,” she read. “He has been instrumental in helping to build the Argo fire department. His many years of service to the city are greatly appreciated. As new doors open and he moves on to the next chapter of his life I wish him and his family the best.
With Chief Platts’ resignation the city must move forward and fill the position of Fire Chief for the safety and welfare of our citizens.
As elected officials we must be committed to serving the needs of the community. We must continue to help ensure the safety, welfare and be prepared for the emergency needs of our citizens. We must be dedicated to providing the highest level of fire protection and emergency medical services we as a city can provide.”
The vote on Platts’ resignation was accepted unanimously. Afterwards, the council agreed to select an interim chief from several who are next in line after Platts. Scott Payne was appointed for the role as the city begins searching for new applicants. Councilor Ronnie Bowman abstained from voting.
Platts had been serving as chief for 16 years.
The first hour of the meeting revolved around the three candidates seeking the office of St. Clair County Superintendent of Education: Mike Howard, Greg Cobb and Mike Hobbs. Each stood at the podium and were given ten minutes to explain their backgrounds, qualifications, platform and to take questions from the audience.
After the candidates spoke, the council heard from Argo resident Beth King, who requested the resignation of Councilor Ann Cowan, saying that she believed that she represented Argo’s residents but that that “was not the case.” King said that she had seen a video of a meeting where Cowan said that she would resign if asked to over the issue with Platts.
King thanked Cowan for her service and said that she hoped her resignation would allow her to “pursue other interests”. Cowan declined to comment. Later Massey said that the council would have to vote to accept a member’s resignation but that he thinks the council would not ask for Cowan to resign.
In other business, the council approved a request by the city clerk, Casie Bethune, to attend a class for city clerks at at convention on May 19-22. Expenses will include meals and the hotel room.
Bradley stated that an audit report for the years 2016 to 2017 is nearing completion. Councilor Tony Aldredge reported on the status of the safe room, saying that qualifications from architectural firms are still being worked out.
Business licenses for Argo was brought up and it was reported that the city collected fees amounting to more than $238,000 in 2016, more than $240,000 in 2017 and more $187,000 so far this year.
The next Argo City Council meeting will take place on March 12 at 6 p.m.