After more than an hour in Executive Session, Fairfield Council voted to “redirect staff” in making recommendations concerning city employee Ronald Corley, who had been placed on a five-day suspension back in April.

By a request from Corley, the main agenda item for the Special Called meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 2019 was held in closed Executive Session.

Before moving into Executive Session, Mayor Kenny Hughes noted that Corley not yet received documents he had requested from the City associated with the evening’s agenda item.

He was given the opportunity by Mayor Hughes to postpone the meeting until the City had finished processing his request. Corley chose to proceed.

Corley also confirmed that he still wanted the proceedings to take place in closed Executive Session.

Proceedings in Executive Session, as outlined by Mayor Hughes, followed in this manner:

–Summary of investigation conducted by the City Administrator Nate Smith – 15 minutes

–Response from employee Ronald Corley – 15 minutes

–Closing statement by City Administrator – 5 minutes

–Closing statement by Ronald Corley – 5 minutes (after which, Corley would step out of Executive Session)

–Discussion with Assistant City Attorney Will Stovall

Once the Council convened back into Open Session, a motion was made by Randy Johnson and seconded by David Steward, amended by James Tyus, then clarified and amended again by Landis Bayless. Council member Bobby Nichols joined in the unanimous vote.

The final motion read, “to redirect the staff to bring a recommendation to Council concerning the decision made by the Council on April 23, 2019 considering the employment of Ronald Corley, and that their results and findings be presented at the next City Council meeting.”

According to City Administrator Nate Smith, the word “staff” refers to himself and Public Works Director Clyde Woods.

Fairfield City Council meets in Regular Session on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This week’s Council meeting for June 11, 2019 was canceled so that citizens might enjoy County Fair Week.