Albany City Council’s first meeting of the new year was an unusual one Tuesday, January 2, with the announcement of the resignation of its mayor and appointment of a new mayor to serve the unexpired term through this year’s General Election.
At the onset of the brief regular meeting, Councilman Randy Speck, who chaired the meeting in former Mayor Steve Lawson’s absence, read Lawson’s resignation letter.
That was later followed by a vote by the full council (with all members present) which saw former Councilman, and now temporary Mayor, James Bray, being selected to fill the vacancy.
(Separate articles on both Lawson’s resignation and Bray’s appointment can be found elsewhere this week.)
Following last week’s meeting, City Attorney Norb Sohm said, in reference to the much discussed  water study, that the city’s current firm, Monarch Engineering, have been awarded a contract to conduct the study the council had sought.
Although a nine member committee had rated three engineering firms and scored two other firms the highest in overall “points,” Monarch was awarded the contract due to the majority of those members rating the firms (four out of nine) giving Monarch the highest ranking.
During the regular business portion of the meeting, the council, on a motion by Councilman Junior Gregory, approved first reading of an agreement with a Fire Discovery Service.
The service is designed to assist local fire departments in collecting insurance payments for fire runs made during vehicle accidents and other type calls, by collecting from auto insurance carriers to help fire departments pay for expenses they incur.
Second reading on the ordinance is expected to be held at the council’s next regular meeting.
Wendy Holden then asked if the city had any more information about some complaint forms filed pertaining to the city’s nuisance ordinance, but Councilman Speck said due to the busy holidays, they had not been able to make any more progress at this time.
Although Monarch Engineer David Bowles was present, he did not address the council, but did submit the following Project Update for January:
* Duvall Valley Water System Improvements: Construction of the water lines started on September 18, 2023. The contractor initiated work on the north end of the project at the intersection of South Harper Lane and U.S. 127 and will continue to work going south toward Duvall Valley. Approximately 11,990 LF of 12 inch water line has been installed along U.S. 127, KY 696, and will be heading towards and along the Beech Bottom Road and KY 968 areas this week.
* Water Treatment Plant Improvements: The two motor control buildings have been in place for a few months now and have been connected with electric. Work at the plant will be coming to completion this month, which includes the final electrical work and SCADA System installation. Approximately 95 percent of the project is complete and still on time to be completed by the end of January.
A representative from Tyson Foods then addressed the council briefly about concerns the company had about the water situation, noting the company was helping to get the water study done.
The representative also gave some facts pertaining to the water used by the company and its importance to the industry and community.
Included in that report was that 20 farm families in Clinton and surrounding counties that care for 1.7 million chickens that depend on a good water supply. He further said it costs the company $205,000 per day when the plant cannot be in operation.
He also noted lost wages to employees at the county’s largest employer, when the plant is down due to water (or other) issues.
Albany Water Department Supervisor David Guffey then asked the representative if farmers, who raise chickens for the plant, have to have a backup water supply source, saying some in the county “are not sufficient.”
The Tyson representative said a backup system was not a requirement, but Guffey said it was his understanding that it was, and again said some of the growers do not have enough of a backup water supply system.
At one point at the end of the discussion, the water plant supervisor said, “I may lose my job after the new mayor comes in, but if so that’s fine.”
After that exchange, Councilman Speck asked if anyone else in attendance wished to speak, with no other comments being made.
Councilman Sloan then made the motion to adjourn the approximate 25 minute meeting, which passed by unanimous vote.
The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for February 6, at 5 p.m. at City Hall and is open to the public.