WAYNE'S WORLD

Special Council meeting, Monday August 25th, 2008 7PM:

Meeting called to order Bradley Huson, Mayor pro tem. Quorum of three, Albertson, Hunt on vacation.

Item 1 - Discussion of Town Administrator

A general discussion ensued with public comments. Bradley explained need for Town Administrator, the most important thing we are doing. Part time three days a week or five days full time still to be determined. Bradley will put ad on AWC website with job title and description by the end of the week.

Jim Hedrick wanted to make sure town's interests and resources were protected. We need to stay ahead of the curve and assist the council in making better decisions with the expanded government. Jim wanted job management and construction experience. The urgency was added because the town was on its third Mayor in the last eight months.

Wayne was being Wayne and doing a Dan impersonation, informing Bradley, Mayor pro tem, this is your mess. Wayne this mess started two and one half years ago when you were elected to the council on a pro Ruston platform. We do not need a City Manager he continued as the voters have rejected a Town Administrator! Wayne the voted against a change of government away from Mayor Council form. Wayne declined to take over as Mayor pro tem.

Wayne plowed on we have no money (70,000 dollar ballet lawsuit vs. Commencement money wasted) and the Marcotte study said no new town employees according to Wayne. A public comment pointed out we could use part of the $400,000 saved on terminating the Huitt-Zollars contract. Several public comments echoed the "we are broke". The amazing turnabout, Wayne and his buddy tried to change the town charter to hire a PERMANENT Town Administrator at $100,000 a year as a cost saving measure!!! Go figure.

But other public comments pointed out we were at emergency levels because of no cohesion or planning in town policy. A part time Mayor at $500 a month is laughable in the face of major growth and expansion in the Town.

Chief Reese provided a sincere, telling comment that was moving and emphasized we are at emergency conditions. The town has a myriad of problems she continued, town staff needs direction and guidance. The Mayors, past, present and future, are overwhelmed as is the staff. Their is a need for feedback and personnel problems need to be looked at promptly. Not doing so will lead to excess costs which could be avoided

This was spoken with urgency and putting the council on notice that things are out of hand and will get worse if the council does not act soon. There is no time to waste. With a Town Administrator and full time Mayor all these problems could be alleviated and we could move forward.

Bradley closed with praise for Bob Everding for his organizing skills and list of projects he prioritized and left for the incoming mayor. Very helpful he explained with gratitude.

Adjourned 7:30 PM.

I will add my final comment those fighting the town and progress need to get on board or resign their council seats. The shameful backbiting on issues important to the town serves no useful purpose and is childish and irresponsible. It is over, we are moving forward, get over it.