Newly elected Huntington City Mayor LaMar Guymon had two years remaining on his council seat that needed to be filled. Following state statutes, the council decided upon Lisa Miller to fill that seat for the remaining two years until Dec. 31, 2019.
Four other candidates had applied and after answering questions directed by the council to each candidate in succession, a council vote was taken and the majority decision was in favor of Miller. She was then invited to take the oath of office and join the rest of council in their seats during the city’s January meeting.
Council assignments were not made at this meeting as Mayor Guymon was excused because of medical reasons. However, the new council members, Kelly Oveson and Gloria Wilson, had already been fulfilling their responsibilities. Oveson had made a study of the fire station rules and was ready to adopt new ones. Fire chief Jim Gordon, who ultimately is responsible for the station, requested time to meet with Oveson and work on the new rules before the council adopted them. They did both agree that the 65 keys that remain at large need to be accounted for and gathered. This matter was tabled until next meeting so that the consultation could happen before a vote was taken.
Wilson reported that she had ordered the flowers for Main Street and met with the engineer to look over the plans for the work at the concession stand that they are applying for with a CDBG grant. This would include an awning, cement work and handrails to improve the area on the Center Street side of the concession stand.
Councilman Joe Ward reported that someone had run into the pioneer rock pillars and done considerable damage. He also said that the CIB money should be available in February to finish the south side of the retaining wall at the cemetery.
Councilman Leonard Norton reported that the warm weather has really increased tree and yard trimmings at the dump and requested that the public remember to put them in the appropriate place.