Cleveland Councilman David May on Monday questioned Cleveland Fire Chief Chuck Atchley on whether the city was involved in fighting the fire at Thompson Springs Baptist Church on Bates Pike last week.

The fire totally destroyed the 1932 portion of the church.

Councilman May asked, “Do we not respond to Mutual Aid any more?”

Chief Atchley responded, “We were not called.”

Councilman May stated that whoever dispatches Mutual Aid requests should have called the city for assistance. To that, Chief Atchley replied, “A specific request was made of Mutual Aid” to only request West Polk County, Tri-Community and Highway 58 fire departments.

The Mutual Aid and Emergency and Disaster Assistance Agreement of 2004 streamlined the way different government agencies can assist one another in emergency situations.

One councilman asked if anyone knew why the city was not called.

Councilman George Poe stated, “They didn’t want us there.” After the meeting, Mr. Poe, explained that “they” would be whoever was in charge and made the specific request that excluded the CFD.

The county fire chief is Dewey Woody, who, earlier this year was reprimanded by County Mayor Gary Davis over an incident caught on film by a car camera involving EMS at the scene of an automobile accident.

County Commissioner Ben Atchley, a career firefighter, asked that Chief Woody be fired at the time. County Mayor Davis at the time said that “egos and attitudes” caused the situation.

As part of the reprimand, County Mayor Davis required written protocols from both EMS and Chief Woody as to how they will ensure that this would never happen again.

In other business, the council approved Resolution 2009-122 in support of Don Ledford Automotive retaining the General Motors franchise on N. Lee Highway.

Mayor Tom Rowland also mentioned that Cleveland is now considered a Metro Area with 112,000 residents. He suggested that this information be relayed to the GM Corporation when forwarding support for the dealership.

Resolution 2009-116 was passed authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with PB Americas, Inc. for Professional Services in connection with preparation of a Long Range Transportation Plan for MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization).

Final passage of Zoning Ordinance 2009-73 rezones .4 acres on Michigan Ave. Rd. NE from Low Density Single and Multi-Family Residential (R2) to Commercial General (CG). Request by Henry Schroeder.

The council authorized the city to purchase property at Hill and Third Streets from Bill Presswood for $5,000.

Mayor Rowland invited everyone to Johnston Park on Wednesday at 11 a.m. to observe Veteran’s Day. All city and county government offices will be closed.