Sanders began asking questions regarding Jones' techniques in procedural operations including the hiring process and spending decisions.
This discourse transpired after addressing the matter of a wine and beer license for Wendy Lindley, Sanders' daughter. There had been a mistake made on the city level during the application process which halted the approval of her license. Though the matter is being worked out, this obstacle led to Sanders' questioning which soon focused heavily on hiring policies and the council's involvement in all levels of city matters.
"Are you hiding something?" Sanders said, asking Jones about aspects of his young tenure. "You're going to do it right or not do it at all."
Jones assured Sanders that any mistakes made thus far in his current faculty -- including the temporary hiring of a temporary, part-time office worker and mishandling of the alcohol license application -- are due to his lack of experience in city administration. He continued to reassure Sanders and the rest of the council that the hiring process for police chief, which Sanders also brought into question, is in the beginning stages and he asked for council input in the matter.
Committee approved
to resolve tree issue
Just days before the Kingston June work session, the maintenance department cut down 37 Sawtooth Oaks that were planted for Arbor Day in 2007.
Keep Bartow Beautiful donated the trees, 43 in all, and helped in the planting with Bartow's Master Gardeners and volunteers. The trees were planted in the historic Railroad "Y" to create shade and accentuate the park.
At Monday's regular meeting, Master Gardener and Kingston resident Kate Posey addressed the council on the issue. The council did move to approve a committee which will form to decide how to resolve the matter and replant trees.
Other items on Monday's agenda included officially hiring two young men known as T.L. and Antavius for the work department. T.L. will be hired on as full-time and Antavius, who is in school, will be hired on an as-needed basis.
"I've never seen young men work the way they work," said Chuck Wise, councilman.
Also approved was a motion to allow Interim Police Chief Jared Smith to pursue a grant through Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant will fund needed positions for three full years with the condition that the positions be kept for at least 12 months after the three years is over.
A motion presented to the council by Jones which was not approved for lack of a second was purchase of digital meter reading devices for the water department. Concerns were raised over this item for its need, cost, accuracy and the possibility of being quickly outdated.