By Nathan Prewett, For The Tribune
LEEDS – A resolution releasing a report on city transactions brought up by Councilman Eric Turner at the Dec. 5 meeting was tabled after a lengthy executive session on Monday, Dec. 19, pending more information.
At the Dec. 5 meeting, Councilman Eric Turner brought up two transactions made in the past in which apparent discrepancies were found in the acquisition of the building for the Leeds Water Works Board and City Hall from Alabama Power.
Turner provided copies of checks signed to Barnes and Barnes and asked the reason for paying them, to which Mayor David Miller said were for fees and closing when the buildings were bought, but Turner questioned this. It was determined at that meeting to investigate the matter.
At the Dec. 19 meeting, the agenda was short, with the final item being a resolution that would allow the city attorneys to give a report on the transactions and discuss it with the media. An executive session was requested before this would be brought up.
The session had lasted nearly two hours when the council returned to the chambers. They then voted to table the resolution.
“They wanted some more information about it before they agreed on it,” City Attorney Scott Barnett said. “So they’re going to bring it back up at a future date when they get the information they’re satisfied with.”
Several spoke during public comments. The first was Amber Yeackle, who brought up the sound quality of the council’s microphones. Miller told her that this would be addressed in the future as the person tasked with the sound was not present.
Afterward, Judd Moore spoke on the matter of the money that was apparently paid to Barnes and Barnes, as discussed at the last meeting. He then spoke on freedom of the press and speech before his time was up.
Last was Alex Warner, who said rumors about Leeds on the alleged misappropriation of funds have been circulating. He urged the city to have RDA financial records available to be viewed. He also asked if there was a commercial development authority as he couldn’t find any information on one for Leeds himself. Miller did not reply.
Additionally, during reports from department heads, Fire Chief Chuck Parsons advised the public to be careful with heaters and similar heating equipment as the weather is expected to turn extremely cold this week. He also said Santa Claus would be making another round through the city for children to see in the next two days, weather permitting.
Developmental Services Department reported that business licenses can be renewed on Jan. 1. This can be done online or at City Hall.
In other business, the council:
- Tabled approving a liquor manufacture license to Sweet Home Spirits and
- Declared three properties on Beech Street to be unsafe buildings.
Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.