REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 05, 2006 AT 9:00 A.M.

 

Meeting called to order by Council President Thomas.

 

Present:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

 

Absent:  None.

 

 

            The meeting was opened with prayer by Parks & Recreation Director Mark Naylor and followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to confirm the agenda order for this meeting with an amendment to: add an amendment to R-17 claims docket; add an executive session regarding potential litigation and personnel matters.

 

 

            Ricky Hood, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi, appeared before the Council at this time.  He thanked Fire Chief Jeff Homan for being at the fire when the Boys and Girls Club was on fire.  They served 315 kids during the summer and fee they need to expand their program.  They are looking at the possibility of extending their program in cooperation with one of the public schools.  He thanked P & R Director Mark Naylor for his assistance.  The baseball and softball program have been utilized by these kids.  He thanked Mark for taking care of the fields and thanked the City of Meridian for all they do.

 

 

            Sr. Planner Don Jemison and Planner Virginia Williamson appeared to make a presentation on the National Flood Insurance Program.  The city has a Class 8 rating which in a 10% discount in the cost of flood insurance for citizens.  The city has seven repetitive loss areas.  In 2006 FEMA removed four sites and added one site.

 

 

            Mayor Smith stated he had five re-appointments to boards and commissions – Jeanelle E. Kidd – Housing Authority; Wilbert L. Jones – Housing Authority; Allan Stewart – Housing Authority; Fred Snowden – Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals; and Rev. Rick Spells – Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

 

 

            President Thomas called on Mayor Smith for his report.  Sr. Planner Don Jemison and Planner Kevin Locke appeared and reported on the removal of hazardous trees/limbs on city right-of-way and on private property that hangs over city right of way that received damage from Hurricane Katrina.  There were 1,020 trees identified and validated by FEMA.  The wood chips from this removal project will be used by the city in conjunction with the tree planting program at Bonita Lakes.  The City of Gulfport held a Hurricane Katrina anniversary celebration and gave thanks to those cities who contributed to their relief efforts.  Homeland Security Director Bunky Partridge attended and represented the city.  There were three individuals with the city who were recognized by the Department of Homeland Security.  He presented a plaque to Mayor Smith and said that city employees JoJo Reeves and Zack Betts had received a plaque for their work.  Bunky stated that Maureen Lofton did a lot of work behind the scenes.  Police Chief Benny Dubose presented a shadowbox with the badges and awards of Corporal Jackie G. Abercrombie (deceased) to his wife LeAnn Abercrombie.  Chief Dubose stated that he was disappointed with the story in the newspaper regarding the shooting.  The officers involved were defending themselves and the shooting was justifiable.  This incident is being investigated by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.  There will soon be 2-way traffic on a section of 23rd Avenue, 5th Street and 6th Street.  Officers will be directing traffic.  This change is temporary until permanent changes are decided on and made.     

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the minutes dated August 15, 2006.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the following proclamation to be issued by the Mayor:

 

                                    September 10-16, 2006 – “National Assisted Living Week”

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13836       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF MERIDIAN TO PAY THE

                                    COST OF FLU SHOTS FOR CITY OF MERIDIAN EMPLOYEES

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13837       ORDER AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND SUBMISSION OF

                                    APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDING TO WAL-MART

                                    FOUNDATION (UPGRADE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE

                                    EQUIPMENT FOR MERIDIAN FIRE DEPARTMENT)

 

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5365                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AS AUTHORIZED

                                    BY SECTIONS 27-31-1(D) AND 79-11-33 OF THE MISSISSIPPI CODE

                                    OF 1972, AS AMENDED

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5366                        RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    MISSISSIPPI, GRANTING TAX EXEMPTION FROM AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES TO EL BETHEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH AS

                                    AUTHORIZED BY SECTIONS 27-31-1(D) AND 79-11-33 OF THE

                                    MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, AS AMENDED

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

           

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Ordinance:

 

ORDIN. #4288         ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3543 AS AMENDED

                                    AND TO REPEAL AND REPLACE CITY CODE CHAPTER 17 –

                                    ARTICLE III, HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF

                                    CONSOLIDATING THE MERIDIAN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW

                                    BOARD WITH THE MERIDIAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION

                                    COMMISSION, BRINGING THIS ARTICLE INTO CONFORMANCE

                                    WITH CURRENT STATE LAW, AND REFINING ITS LANGUAGE TO

                                    BE MORE USER FRIENDLY

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Ordinance was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13838       ORDER CONFIRMING THE RE-APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR

                                    OF FRED SNOWDEN TO THE BUILDING CODE BOARD OF

                                    ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13839       ORDER CONFIRMING THE RE-APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR

                                    OF REV. RICK SPELLS TO THE HOUSING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS

                                    AND APPEALS

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13840       ORDER CONFIRMING THE RE-APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR

                                    OF ALLAN STEWART TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13841       ORDER CONFIRMING THE RE-APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR

                                    OF JEANELLE E. KIDD TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13842       ORDER CONFIRMING THE RE-APPOINTMENT BY THE MAYOR

                                    OF WILBERT L. JONES TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE

                                    CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13843       ORDER DECLARING EQUIPMENT SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING THE

                                    SALE OF SAID SURPLUS EQUIPMENT

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13844       ORDER DECLARING SOFTWARE SURPLUS AND NO LONGER

                                    NEEDED BY THE CITY OF MERIDIAN AND AUTHORIZING

                                    SAID SURPLUS SOFTWARE TO BE DESTROYED

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13845       ORDER DECLARING WEAPONS SURPLUS AND TO BE SOLD

                                    TO RETIRED POLICE OFFICERS AS ALLOWED BY STATE

                                    LAW 45-9-131

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13846       ORDER DETERMINING THAT CERTAIN POLICE VEHICLES ARE

                                    USED FOR CRIME DETECTION AND UNDERCOVER WORK AND

                                    SHOULD NOT BE MARKED SO AS TO BE IDENTIFIABLE AS

                                    CITY VEHICLES

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5367                        RESOLUTION CALLING HEARING TO DETERMINE WHETHER

                                    OR NOT CERTAIN PARCELS OF LAND ARE IN SUCH A STATE

                                    OF UNCLEANLINESS AS TO BE A MENACE TO THE PUBLIC

                                    HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY (OCTOBER 3,

                                    2006 AT 9:30 A.M.)

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13847       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE OF

                                    SENSUS TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY SR METERS ON A

                                    NON-COMPETITIVE BASIS

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5368                        RESOLUTION APPOINTING DEPUTY COURT CLERKS

                                    OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Perry offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13848       ORDER RESCINDING ORDER NO. 13816 ENTITLED “ORDER

                                    GRANTING EXEMPTION FROM MUNICIPAL AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES (EXCEPT SCHOOL DISTRICT TAXES) TO THE MCGINNIS

                                    LUMBER COMPANY, INC. FOR RENOVATIONS AND

                                    IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 905 22ND

                                    AVENUE”

and, Councilwoman Henson seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13849       ORDER GRANTING EXEMPTION FROM MUNICIPAL AD VALOREM

                                    TAXES (EXCEPT SCHOOL DISTRICT TAXES) TO MCGINNIS

                                    PROPERTIES, LLC FOR RENOVATION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO

                                    THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 905 22ND AVENUE

 

and, Councilwoman Perry seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5369                        RESOLUTION AMENDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

                                    REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION OF BANNERS

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13850       ORDER ACCEPTING QUITCLAIM DEED FROM THE MERIDIAN

                                    HOUSING AUTHORITY AND ORDERING THE RECORDING OF

                                    SUCH DEED

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Ordinance:

 

ORDIN. #4289         ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO CLOSE, VACATE,

                                    AND ABANDON A PORTION OF 46TH AVENUE RIGHT OF

                                    WAY EASEMENT

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Ordinance was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Next on the agenda was the ordinance vacating and abandoning the plat for the Meridian Housing Authority Hope VI Re-Subdivision, Phase II.  City Attorney Steven Kohnke asked that the Council not take any action at this time but to recess the meeting until another day because the corrected plat had not been received. 

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5370                        RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND FILING OF

                                    GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR THE FY 2007 HOMETOWN

                                    MISSISSIPPI RETIREMENT MARKETING MATCH GRANTS

                                    PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER

                                    INTO CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH THE MISSISSIPPI

                                    DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY UPON APPROVAL OF GRANT

                                    APPLICATIONS

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Ordinance:

 

ORDIN. #4290         ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 7-245, BILLBOARDS OR

                                    POSTER PANELS CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF MERIDIAN,

                                    IN ORDER TO DELETE SUB-SECTION 2(F) TO ALLOW LED

                                    TYPE BILLBOARDS WITHIN THE CITY OF MERIDIAN

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Ordinance was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Harris offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13851       ORDER ALLOWING SOUTHERN WASTE DISPOSAL TO USE

                                    CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY ON 27TH AVENUE FOR A DRIVEWAY

                                    AND ACCEPTANCE OF HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Resolution:

 

RESO. #5371                        RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED

                                    BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR

                                    ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, AND DIRECTING THE CITY                                                                                   CLERK IN REFERENCE THERETO

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Resolution was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13852       ORDER ACCEPTING THE BID OF BILLY SHUMATE CONSTRUCTION

                                    COMPANY, MERIDIAN, MS FOR ASBESTOS ABATEMENT OF SEVEN

                                    (7) STRUCTURES IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,867.00

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13853       ORDER AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF FIRE APPARATUS

                                    75’ QUINT FROM PRO-FIRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY, LLC

                                    OLIVE BRANCH, MS IN THE AMOUNT OF $749,617.00

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Perry offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13854       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF RETAINAGE IN

                                    THE AMOUNT OF $2,135.28 TO J&M INCORPORATED

                                    (FORMER CHILI HOUSE DRAINAGE PROJECT)

 

and, Councilwoman Henson seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Palmer offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13855       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SERVICE

                                    AGREEMENT BETWEEN WASTE MANAGEMENT AND

                                    THE CITY OF MERIDIAN (MERIDIAN HOUSEHOLD

                                    HAZARDOUS WASTE AMNESTY DAY)

 

and, Councilman Harris seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilman Harris offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

ORDER #13856       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE DEDICATION OF THE 50-YARD

                                    PISTOL RANGE IN MEMORY OF POLICE CORPORAL

                                    JACKIE G. ABERCROMBIE, JR.

 

and, Councilwoman Perry seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13857       ORDER AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF GENERAL TERMS

                                    AND CONDITIONS AGREEMENT BETWEEN GEOMOCEL, INC.

                                    AND THE CITY OF MERIDIAN (USE OF GROUND PENETRATING

                                    RADAR)

 

and, Councilman Palmer seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Councilwoman Henson offered and moved the adoption and passage of the following Order:

 

ORDER #13858       ORDER ACCEPTING WARRANTY DEED FROM DAIRY FRESH

                                    OF ALABAMA, LLC AND ORDERING THE RECORDING OF

                                    SUCH DEED

 

and, Councilwoman Perry seconded the motion, whereupon said Order was discussed, passed and adopted by the Council by a vote as follows:

 

Yea:  Thomas, Perry, Henson, Palmer, Harris.

Nay:  None.

 

 

            Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilwoman Perry and unanimously passed by the Council to approve the claims docket dated August 31, 2006 in the amount of $2,826,616.46 with an amendment to add Purchase Order No. 608567 in the amount of $8,635.00 and Purchase Order No. 608568 in the amount of $14,400.00.

 

 

            President Thomas called for citizen comments.  No one appeared.           

            An executive session was requested regarding potential litigation and personnel matters.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to close the meeting to determine whether to declare an executive session.  Motion was made by Councilwoman Henson duly seconded by Councilman Palmer and unanimously passed by the Council to declare an executive session in order to discuss potential litigation and personnel matters.  The Council then went into executive session.  Motion was made by Councilman Palmer duly seconded by Councilman Harris and unanimously passed by the Council to go out of executive session.

 

 

            President Thomas called the regular meeting back to order.  No action was taken regarding the executive session.  

 

 

There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, the meeting was recessed until Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. in the Employee Council room at City Hall.

 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Pam McInnis, Clerk of Council