Lometa City Council accepts resignation letter of late mayor
By CHERI JAY-WIENECKE Special Correspondent

The Lometa City Council addressed an issue of solemn importance Monday evening: acceptance of a letter of resignation from Mayor Mike McGarry, who passed away Oct. 24.

In the letter, dated just a day before his death, McGarry stated, "It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Lometa as mayor and as municipal judge; however, I find it necessary to resign both of these positions due to the deteriorating condition of my health."

On a motion by Councilman George Watson and seconded by Doug Brister, the resignation was accepted and a vacancy declared. This action brought forth discussion on filling the mayoral position.

Mayor Pro Tem David Ivey informed the group he would continue to handle the duties of mayor until a decision is made and is considering whether to seek the post permanently.

"I will remain acting in the mayoral capacity," said Ivey. "I have given some thought to asking the council to appoint me to that position. I ask for you to weigh that." He then urged the council to mull the options before them and submit possible names for the appointment.

After some discussion, Watson questioned the council on its policy regarding methods used to choose a candidate to fill the unexpired term.

"There's a news reporter here tonight who will put it in the newspaper for the entire public to see," responded Ivey. "We have just declared a vacancy here. It is open to the public."

Watson later directed a statement to Councilwoman Cynthia Kirby, commenting, "I think the whole public needs to know about the vacancy and what we are doing here instead of just a council member going, 'Hey, let's get you as mayor.' Instead of an individual council member going out and picking the mayor, I think the public needs to pick the mayor.

"We need to get the word out to everybody and don't be biased, you know."

Ivey and City Secretary Michelle Schueneman indicated the cost of a called election is in the neighborhood of $3,000.

"Everyone knows Mike McGarry passed away," said Mrs. Kirby.

Watson said his earlier statement had been misinterpreted. "was saying instead of you going out and picking somebody to be mayor, I think everybody has chance. Everybody needs chance to be mayor, not just one individual go pick somebody," added the councilman.

Ivey drew the conversation to a close, assuring members the appropriate avenue would be followed for selection of a new mayor.

"We've just declared a vacancy. Anyone that is interested in the council's appointment is more than welcome to come," he said.

Brister reiterated Ivey's point, adding, "There's not one of us sitting here that's going out and picking a mayor."

In other business, the council tabled an item regarding acquisition of a military helicopter by Lometa resident Bobby Jackson for display at the Lometa Regional Park. The matter will be revisited during the December council meeting when Jackson can elaborate further.

On a motion by council member Toni Torres and seconded by Mrs. Kirby, the group agreed to amend a city ordinance that deals with address identification. Before amendment, homeowners were required to have address numbers no smaller than five inches. Due to the scarcity of such large lettering, the ordinance now allows for numbers no smaller than four inches.

During open forum, Lometa resident Ben Leggett voiced concern over repeated incidents of vandalism at the Regional Park. "I don't have an answer, but we need help," he said. "We cannot keep standing the financial losses we're sustaining."

After some discussion, including the prospect of installing a camera surveillance system as well as a statement by Watson requesting the council consider donating the park to the county or disbursing with it through private sale, the council moved on to other business.

In departmental reports, Police Chief Gary Farley said all members of the local police force had completed and passed their firearms qualification. He also said a radar system has been ordered for officer Misty Maldonado's vehicle, and the department is researching the cost of a new light bar for John Harris' vehicle.

Prior to adjournment, Mrs. Kirby requested a report from Lometa Code Enforcement Officer Don Freeze at next month's meeting, and Ivey announced that the city's accountant, Charles Miles, is finishing the 2005-06 audit and soon will begin his work on the following year.