By Terry Schrimscher, Tribune reporter
ARGO — Police Officer Jason Mitchell was the center of attention Monday night, January 22, during the second regular monthly meeting of the Argo City Council. Mitchell was named Argo Officer of the Year during the brief meeting which began with a work session at 5 p.m.
“I’ve known Mr. Mitchell for a very, very long time. I’m proud to call him a good friend,” said Argo Police Chief Alan Busler. “I’m even prouder to have you here with us. I hope there’s many more years of great service,” Busler added as he presented the award.
Busler noted Mitchell was the very first Argo officer to be sent to Police Academy.
Mitchell did not offer a speech to the gathering but took a few minutes to pose for photos with the Council and with fellow officers. Council members expressed gratitude for Mitchell’s service to the city and congratulated his mother, who was in attendance.
Mitchell was presented with an engraved acrylic award. His name was also placed on an Officer of the Year plaque which will remain at City Hall.
“Jason does a good job for this city. He’s always helpful and tries to do what he can to help our citizen,” said Mayor Betty Bradley. “We really appreciate you, Jason,” she added.
Earlier in the meeting, Bradley offered thanks to Argo first responders who worked during the recent ice storm to keep roads safe in the city by helping sand ice patches. Bradley said the city is currently short-handed in the maintenance department and noted the police officers and firefighters filled in where needed for the city including opening the storm shelter for a warming station.
During the regular meeting, Councilmember Ann Brown made a motion to add a new item to the agenda to amend the application for a zoning variance request. The motion to establish a $75 fee for the application passed unanimously with all members of the Council present for the vote.
In her Mayor’s Report to the Council, Bradley announced the city has received $100,000 from St. Clair County for road repairs.
The the next regular meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for February 12 with a work session at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting following immediately after the session. An agenda for each meeting is posted in local businesses including Hill Top Farms, Argo Hardware, Liberty Automotive, Shell, Southland BBQ, Fox’s Pizza and Buckeye Grocery. Agendas are also posted on the city’s Facebook page.