Confusion was the name of the game at the most recent Fairfield City Council Meeting held Tuesday, March 12, 2019.
Controversy over whether or not there was ever a contract signed between the City of Fairfield and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce for Hotel/Motel Funds continues.
According to City Secretary Misty Richardson, she previously came across a contract signed by Monte Cole during his time as mayor. Now, however, no one is able to locate said contract. Click here to read more on this agenda item.
More confusion was had when the topic of renewing contracts for Fairfield Fest and Market Days was addressed.
Amy Ralstin, of Fairfield Fest, LLC, gave an overview of the past year’s success and read many vendor testimonies to the Council.
“We are still in the infancy of this event, but with time, it will continue to grow,” she explains. “In addition to helping new businesses start, local businesses located on the square tell me that their revenue nearly triples on event weekend each month.”
Mrs. Ralstin also detailed future plans for a proposed kids’ activity area to give kids free entertainment while their parents are shopping.
When it came time to vote on extending the contract, questions arose regarding insurance for the event.
The original contract drafted and signed by former mayor Roy Hill stated that Mrs. Ralstin would be required to provide insurance for Fairfield Fest, but she refused to sign that contract.
A second contract was made where the City of Fairfield became responsible for maintaining the insurance; and was signed by both Mrs. Ralstin and Mayor Kenny Hughes.
The contract that was ready to be signed that evening, if approved by Council, was mistakenly written as the original contract where Mrs. Ralstin would be responsible for the insurance.
“This is a huge embarrassment,” exclaimed Councilman, Place #2/Mayor Pro-Tem, Randy Johnson. “We need to have better record keeping around here.”
Eventually, Council chose to table extending both contracts until the March 26th meeting so that the confusion could be clarified.
For the upcoming election, Council approved to hold a joint election with the Fairfield Hospital District; to enter into an agreement with Limestone County for the use of election equipment; and to appoint Opal Oliver as Election Judge.
An ordinance to approve amending the budget for Hotel/Motel Funds for issuing $5,380.00 to the Freestone County Museum for repairs was unanimously approved by Council.
The issuance of a purchase order to Newman Regency Group, Inc. in the amount of $14,920.00 for module assembly UV3 upgrade for the Mims Creek Wastewater Plant was approved as well.
A one-year extension was granted on the sanitation contract with Waste Connections in order to have adequate time to put out for bids on a new, more up-to-date contract including recycling options.
Lastly, Council accepted the resignation of Wastewater Technician Collin Puckett, reassigned James Jones from Water to Wastewater, and authorized Mayor Hughes to sign a Contract of Employment with new City Administrator Nate Smith.
The next City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2019 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 222 South Mount Street in Fairfield.