from the look of the agenda it seems that it was going to be a very short and brief meeting. But after the meeting began, it was clear that the meeting would be very interesting. There was only one agenda item but several matters that were to be discussed. First, the board decided to look into the need to make some budget amendments. The board, along with the clerks, will review these matters. The board decided to allow BBI to help with this process. The board also discussed the health violations issued against the City of Lumberton because of the improper septic system that was set up at the Canopy Cafe. Mayor Winston wants to give LeeAnn I go, the lease holder, the opportunity to correct the matter but it's the City of Lumberton that's being fined. Winston suggested the use of port-a-potties to abate the sewage issue. Winston also suggested this did not violate the lease agreement and he also said it would be foolish to end the contract now; despite the accumulation of fines and raw sewage or what they call "gray water." I don't know if it's wise to stay in business with a person that's cutting corners; especially when it can pose serious problems to our ground water. But what I found foolish was the fact that the board needed to get in contact with I go and the only person that had access to her contact number was none other than Kent Crider. Keep in mind that I go has a contract with the City of Lumberton. She has not contacted any city official about corrective actions and no one think its odd that her telephone number is not on file at city hall; that Crider has to retrieve it from his contact list.
Another matter addressed was comp time vs.overtime. It seems that there are employees that are not being permitted to use their comp time. Essentially, it's accumulating and that translate into a loss for those that have comp time they cannot use. At this rate, the board is setting the City of Lumberton up for a lawsuit and labor law violations. We have comp time at my job and it can be used at anytime outside the blackout days. We have part time workers that are working off the clock to ensure there's an officer on duty. That's neither fair nor legal. Either pay them for the hours they work or explain why the city didn't have police protection. But the matter regarding comp time extends beyond the police department and needs to be addressed before it cost the city more than it can afford to pay. I'm certain the city does not want to be investigated by the labor board but unless they start adhering to the guidelines of the policy in place, they are in violation. The easiest way to correct this is to pay them for their comp time since they're not allowed to take the time off.
Now for the most interesting part of the meeting...the discussion about the fire department. A week ago there was an issue with gas for the city vehicles, including but not limited to the fire truck that was being driven by none other than Kent Crider. This is the part of the meeting I recorded. I'm still having trouble uploading the video because of the length but I will get it uploaded. While taping, Crider made one of the dumbrst statements ever. Yes..it was even dumb by Crider standards or lack thereof. Crider told Mayor Winston that I was recording and it was against the law to record a board meeting. Is he really that stupid or just used to inventing lawd to suit his agenda? If it's against the law to record board meetings, how in the Hattiesburg are the news clips of board meetings shown on television? If it's against the law to record board meetings, why is former mayor, Miriam Her on YouTube? Well, those of us with even a minute knowledge of the law know that's another Criderism and as soon as I can, I will post his ignorant statement on YouTube as well.
Based on what was said during this portion of the meeting. I can understand why Crider wouldn't want a taped record of what was said. Crider was finally called out by Quincy Rogers for his conflict of interest. Crider is an alderman and serving on the fire department board. The Laurel city council just had to deal with this issue and the attorney general states that a board member cannot serve in a dual capacity. I will find the opinion and post. I will also give a copy to the Lumberton mayor because he's seemingly clueless in this matter. During this portion of the meeting, we also discovered that Kent Crider and Johnny Buckley have FuelMan cards. SMDH. Yes, the same Johnny Buckley that serves as building code inspector, serves on the airport committee and who knows what else is also a FuelMan card holder because he's also on the fire board. Is there a shortage of volunteers in Lumberton?
There's so much more but I will continue in a later post. Right about now I feel like Abraham. I'm not asking for five but I wonder if there's at least three righteous people serving on the Lumberton Board of Alderpersons?
from the look of the agenda it seems that it was going to be a very short and brief meeting. But after the meeting began, it was clear that the meeting would be very interesting. There was only one agenda item but several matters that were to be discussed. First, the board decided to look into the need to make some budget amendments. The board, along with the clerks, will review these matters. The board decided to allow BBI to help with this process. The board also discussed the health violations issued against the City of Lumberton because of the improper septic system that was set up at the Canopy Cafe. Mayor Winston wants to give LeeAnn I go, the lease holder, the opportunity to correct the matter but it's the City of Lumberton that's being fined. Winston suggested the use of port-a-potties to abate the sewage issue. Winston also suggested this did not violate the lease agreement and he also said it would be foolish to end the contract now; despite the accumulation of fines and raw sewage or what they call "gray water." I don't know if it's wise to stay in business with a person that's cutting corners; especially when it can pose serious problems to our ground water. But what I found foolish was the fact that the board needed to get in contact with I go and the only person that had access to her contact number was none other than Kent Crider. Keep in mind that I go has a contract with the City of Lumberton. She has not contacted any city official about corrective actions and no one think its odd that her telephone number is not on file at city hall; that Crider has to retrieve it from his contact list.
Another matter addressed was comp time vs.overtime. It seems that there are employees that are not being permitted to use their comp time. Essentially, it's accumulating and that translate into a loss for those that have comp time they cannot use. At this rate, the board is setting the City of Lumberton up for a lawsuit and labor law violations. We have comp time at my job and it can be used at anytime outside the blackout days. We have part time workers that are working off the clock to ensure there's an officer on duty. That's neither fair nor legal. Either pay them for the hours they work or explain why the city didn't have police protection. But the matter regarding comp time extends beyond the police department and needs to be addressed before it cost the city more than it can afford to pay. I'm certain the city does not want to be investigated by the labor board but unless they start adhering to the guidelines of the policy in place, they are in violation. The easiest way to correct this is to pay them for their comp time since they're not allowed to take the time off.
Now for the most interesting part of the meeting...the discussion about the fire department. A week ago there was an issue with gas for the city vehicles, including but not limited to the fire truck that was being driven by none other than Kent Crider. This is the part of the meeting I recorded. I'm still having trouble uploading the video because of the length but I will get it uploaded. While taping, Crider made one of the dumbrst statements ever. Yes..it was even dumb by Crider standards or lack thereof. Crider told Mayor Winston that I was recording and it was against the law to record a board meeting. Is he really that stupid or just used to inventing lawd to suit his agenda? If it's against the law to record board meetings, how in the Hattiesburg are the news clips of board meetings shown on television? If it's against the law to record board meetings, why is former mayor, Miriam Her on YouTube? Well, those of us with even a minute knowledge of the law know that's another Criderism and as soon as I can, I will post his ignorant statement on YouTube as well.
Based on what was said during this portion of the meeting. I can understand why Crider wouldn't want a taped record of what was said. Crider was finally called out by Quincy Rogers for his conflict of interest. Crider is an alderman and serving on the fire department board. The Laurel city council just had to deal with this issue and the attorney general states that a board member cannot serve in a dual capacity. I will find the opinion and post. I will also give a copy to the Lumberton mayor because he's seemingly clueless in this matter. During this portion of the meeting, we also discovered that Kent Crider and Johnny Buckley have FuelMan cards. SMDH. Yes, the same Johnny Buckley that serves as building code inspector, serves on the airport committee and who knows what else is also a FuelMan card holder because he's also on the fire board. Is there a shortage of volunteers in Lumberton?
There's so much more but I will continue in a later post. Right about now I feel like Abraham. I'm not asking for five but I wonder if there's at least three righteous people serving on the Lumberton Board of Alderpersons?
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