Two executive sessions during the special meeting called by Oberlin Monday night, February 3, resulted in the public standing outside in 40 degree temperatures for over an hour as council members discussed budget cuts and personnel.
The first executive session lasted almost an hour and resulted in no action being taken. Budget cuts are not a reason to enter executive session, but after the meeting, the town’s attorney explained the agenda should have reflected personnel issues.
The second executive session was moved to the end of the meeting and lasted approximately 20 minutes. Council members returned to regular session and explained they had decided to install a time clock at the town hall for maintenance workers. Councilman Bobby Thomas motioned the time clock would be installed at the town hall for all city employees. The council approved this motion unanimously.
In other business on the agenda, the council tabled approving a bid for street improvements from Williams Equipment LLC Contractors. Mayor Joseph “Moochie” Manuel explained there were four bids received and Williams had the lowest bid.
Councilman Thomas asked where the rest of the money for the project was going to come from in the city’s present budget. He said the bid was roughly $50,000 over what the council had agreed to spend on the project. He said the lowest bid was at $198,000, and the council had budgeted approximately $147,000.
Mayor Manuel said he thought funds from the CARES Act (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) would be used. However, Thomas said the council had already budgeted the funds at the last meeting. Councilman Chris Davis asked if they could find roughly $41,062.68 to complete the project.
As the discussion continued, Charlotte C. Artis, city clerk, gave a suggestion of where the funds could be located. In the end, the topic was tabled.
Agenda items dealing with employee/police retirement, overtime policy and payroll policy were tabled since police department personnel were not present at the meeting for the discussions associated with these issues.
The council will meet again for its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, February 14.
