By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS – The Leeds City Council recognized Leeds High School Band Director Chip Wise at a meeting on Monday, March 20.
Leeds Mayor David Miller read a proclamation honoring Leeds High School Band Director Chip Wise. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)
Mayor David Miller read a proclamation honoring Wise and the achievements of the band.
“Since this man has come to be our band director, we have had unprecedented excellence as has been demonstrated throughout the state, throughout the region and the latest event that I want to comment on is just one in a long line of superb performances by the Leeds High School band under Mr. Chip Wise’s direction,” he said.
Miller highlighted the superior ratings that the band received from the state level Music Performance Assessment in March.
Wise spoke about the band, saying that they were invited to Carnegie Hall in New York, though the COVID pandemic hit and they were unable to attend. He said that he has been commissioned by the city to write a song that he titled “City of Valor,” which will be played at their spring concert on May 4.
“It is a privilege and an honor,” Wise said. “A privilege and honor to be in Leeds. Roll Greenwave!”
The music program at the school has numerous achievements that can be found here.
Afterwards the council decided to delay an executive session item that was originally on the agenda as council members Angie Latta and DeVoris Ragland-Pierce were absent.
Among the items passed was a resolution to open two bank accounts that Miller said was intended to keep confiscated funds from going into the general fund. Police Chief Paul Irwin said that while one account is for confiscated funds, the other is for court-awarded funds or making payments.
“What happens is, let’s say we seize $5,000,” Irwin explained. “That $5,000 isn’t ours until the court orders where to go. And let’s say hypothetically we got awarded that $5,000, we may have to pay some to the district attorney’s office or back to the defendant. Sometimes that’s what happens.”
Councilman Eric Turner asked Irwin if this would eliminate the need to get council approval to use the funds. Irwin said that it would but that he would still have to abide by state bid laws.
The resolution was passed unanimously. No one spoke during public comments.
In other business, the council:
- Approved a budget adjustment for $98,000 in municipal funds to go for the remodeling of the municipal court,
- Adopted and ratified the January 2023 city expenditures and payables, and
- Renewed its animal control and pound services contract.
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.
