Roberts, Pierce Chosen To Top Red Bank Posts; Causer Abstains

John Roberts was re-elected mayor and Eddie Pierce was chosen vice mayor by the Red Bank Commission on Tuesday night.

 

Rick Causer, whose election "team" lost to the Roberts alliance, abstained on the votes.

 

Mr.

Roberts, Ed LeCompte and Terry Pope, the three newly elected Red Bank commissioners, were sworn in by Judge Johnny Houston.

 

Commissioner Causer, who already had a seat, opposed Mayor Roberts in the election and lost. He will continue to serve in his current post.

 

The first task of the new commission was to elect the mayor. Commissioner Pope nominated Mayor Roberts and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Pierce.

 

Mayor Roberts then nominated Eddie Pierce to serve as vice mayor, seconded by Commissioner Pope.

 

In the segment of the meeting devoted to citizen input, past commissioner Ruth Jeno spoke to the new commissioners saying how pleased she was with the different perspective that the new board will bring to leadership in Red Bank. She reminded them that they worked for the citizens of the city. She then addressed Commissioner Causer directly saying that when running for commissioner “you didn’t run a very nice campaign. We don’t like that in Red Bank.” She said that she had hoped that cooperation would be improved but that he had abstained in the first votes taken by the new commissioners. “We ask you to sit back and revisit why you are here. We need a commissioner that will work and speak for the people. If you do that, I wish you well.” There was applause from citizens.

 

Mayor John Roberts said he is looking forward. He said in the last four years, Red Bank has made significant strides but especially in the past two. “It’s a new day for the city and it’s just going to get better,” he said and hinted that more good economic news will be coming at the beginning of December. ”It’s a great day for Red Bank. A new day begins tonight,” he said.

 

In his report, Vice Mayor Pierce thanked the packed room for the good turnout. “We need participation from those that live in or are involved in the city.” He said that he agreed with this being a good beginning to a new day. “What’s in the past, leave it in the past and move forward. All five of us.” He added that some people have disagreed with past Vice Mayor Floy Pierce, but that her 12 years of service should not be forgotten. Recognizing the good of people you’re working with is part of putting the past behind, he ended.

 

Commissioner Causer said that he is looking forward to working with the other commissioners. “I think we’re going to be doing great things together.”

 

A challenge to the people in the room for them to continue coming to the meetings was made by Commissioner Pope. “The only way we know something is wrong in the city is if you tell us,” he said.

 

City Manager Randall Smith reported that the roof has now been replaced on city hall and that the houses backing up to the building, which were bought six months ago, are now in the process of being demolished. He announced that the Red Bank Christmas Parade and Festival will take place on Dec. 6. The festival will be from noon until 7:30 p.m. with the parade starting at 5 p.m. This year the festival day will be on Saturday instead of Friday as in the past. The next meeting of the planning commission will be Thursday at 6 p.m. at the community center where maps will be available to show the new zoning.

 

A second round of applause followed the vote of approval for a contract with Turn Key Mobile, Inc, in the amount of $38,268 for the purchase of tablets to be used in police cruisers. This was a topic during the election, said Mayor Roberts. With technology available, why not have it available for the responders that protect us, he questioned.

 

Commissioner Causer, whose position on the tablets at an earlier meeting caused the failure of the motion, said that the city manager has now answered all of his questions. He said, “It’s quite a nice unit. It will do the police department well. I recommend we accept the proposal.”

 

A contract was authorized with Total Resource, Inc. not to exceed $12,000 for annual leaf pickup. Mr. Smith said this service will be contracted out versus the city hiring employees to do the work. The schedule for leaf and holiday trash pickup will be posted on the city’s website.

 

Johnson Controls, Inc. was chosen to make energy efficient improvements to public buildings in the city. Public Works Director Tim Thornbury said that the city applied for and has been awarded a grant for this work. Energy efficient heat and air conditioning, windows and lighting will be installed at the fire hall on the north end of Red Bank. New efficient HVAC systems will also be put into the city hall building and the Kid’s Corner playground. The work was approved by the commissioners for an amount not to exceed $87,924.

 

The second and final reading of amendments to Red Bank’s animal control code was given approval. Periodically the city amends animal control ordinances in order to address the regulations that contribute to a balance of the various interests of citizens and residents relating to animals. The measure passed unanimously.

 

The city’s purchase policy procedures were also amended. Department heads have had difficulty in obtaining the required three bids for purchasing goods because of the spending limitations of the city’s ordinance. The commissioners approved raising the limit from $250 to $750. 

 

At the recommendation and request from a Red Bank resident, the commissioners passed a resolution declaring the month of November 2014 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.