Mayor withdraws request for mileage reimbursement

Demopolis Mayor Mike Grayson requested mileage reimbursement of $611.75 at Thursday afternoon’s city council meeting for travel incurred in 2010, but withdrew the request after council members expressed concern over the amount of time that had lapsed.

Following the mayor’s request, council member Charles Jones Jr. asked for a 15-minute executive session. When the council reconvened, the mayor stated that he would withdraw the request and then asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

The mayor’s request followed the council’s approval of the city’s Fiscal Year 2012-13 financial audit as presented by LeCroy, Hunter and Company. The details of the audit had been discussed at a public “pre-meeting” held at 3:30 Thursday.

In other action Thursday, the council approved the new business license ordinance by a 5-1 vote, with Jones opposing. The vote was largely a formality, since the ordinance had been approved at last meeting. Thursday’s vote incorporated the revisions discussed and approved at the previous meeting.

City Attorney Scott Stapp reported that a dialogue has been opened regarding clearing the property at 609 W. Pettus. “Hopefully we are moving forward,” Stapp told the council. The house at that property was destroyed in a February, 2013 fire that claimed the life of its owner, Robin Clifton.

To open Thursday’s meeting, Grayson expressed sadness at the loss of retired Fire Chief Aubrey Randall, who passed away earlier this week. “He served the city for 30-something years, and he will be missed,” said Grayson.

The council approved travel expenses for Grayson to attend the Alabama League of Municipalities Conference in Mobile May 3-6.

The mayor also commended Police Chief Tommie Reese and his department for their work that led to the arrest of two suspects in the recent Robertson Banking Company robbery.