Review of November 26, 2013 Weekly Work Meeting

Well, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen had their weekly “work-it-out” meetings. I know many of you have forgotten about this meeting because I also forgot. So, this post is based on the accounting of others since I was not actually at the meeting. It seems that the spouse of a city employee has a problem with the Public Works Director having a truck provided by the City of Lumberton. For some reason, this has become a problem. This is something that has always been provided for the Public Works Director but now, I guess due to the rising fuel cost (or something else; who knows) it is now a problem that the Public Works Director and the Chief of Police have access to a truck. It wasn’t a problem with the other public works directors or the other chief of police. The board didn’t have a problem even when a former chief had paid for fuel in a city that was not on his route. From what I was told, the conversation became very heated and there was the use of some foul language. I don’t have a problem with individuals becoming passionate about their views, but when I was holding the conversation about the events, I didn’t hear anything about Mayor Winston threatening to have them banished from the building. I guess individuals can be as disruptive as long as it’s not directed towards him. Also, there seems to be a plan in place to get rid of most of the Public Works Department. The board is working or looking into a plan to contract garbage collections and other services with Lamar County because there seems to be some problem with the garbage truck. There were a few public works employees that wanted to know if they would be offered the opportunity to work with Lamar County. It seems that Alderman Quincy Rogers was the only person interested in this as an option but Mayor Winston did not say if this option was ever explored. Once again, this is a clear example of the consequences that follow an election. It seems that there are a lot of individuals that may be without a job and it seems that those elected could care less that families will be affected by their decisions. Has any research been conducted to show the benefits of contracting this work to another entity? If there are cuts that need to be made in any department, they should evaluate the work that’s being performed and then make a decision and keep those that are actually being productive. I don’t know what has changed, but I don’t know why certain tasks cannot be completed. If those employed cannot keep up with the list of duties required, then reduce the work force to include those that are able to perform optimally. From what I was told, there was another heated debate among our elected officials. I think the board has finally realized that the Fire Proof Panthers are quickly becoming another financial burden to the City of Lumberton. The first red flag about this group should have been their attempt to include $700 in petty cash in a contract for water and Powerade. A lot has been said about the Lumberton Support Group, the group that was headed by former chief, Jerry Walters, but one thing for certain, he didn’t sugar coat what needed to said or done. Seemingly, there’s more and more request for funding; funding that is not included in the contract. At one point, there was a question as to whether or not Alderwoman Cora Rogers could vote on the agenda item that requested reimbursement for the funds she dispensed to attend a conference. Alderman Kent Crider said it was not legal and said he was going to leave the meeting because he cannot sit and watch them break the law. Now, at that point, I had to ask the people I was speaking with to repeat that part again because I could not believe what I was hearing. Did he say he cannot sit by and watch them break the law? Well, what the hale was he doing for the last four years? I don’t recall him getting up at any point when the aldermen were not adhering to the law. So, I guess he can only tolerate lawlessness when it’s in his favor. Well, let me move along. A lot more went on at the meeting but I guess the conversation will continue at the next meeting. Until then, I am praying for those employed by the City of Lumberton and hopefully, those elected to guard the gates will make decisions that will be mutually beneficial to those employed by the City of Lumberton and to the finances of the City of Lumberton. I pray that everyone have a Safe, Blessed Thanksgiving and remember to govern yourselves accordingly.