Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

The wheels of the city government continued to roll as the Monroe City Council held its regular Tuesday night, March 24 meeting despite the coronavirus pandemic that has the world in its grip. Leaders in various governments all over the world have made adjustments in how they conduct public affairs for its citizens. The city of Monroe was no different Tuesday night. Council members that were present were District 3 Chairwoman Juanita Woods, District 1 Councilman Doug Harvey, District 2 Councilwoman/ Vice-Chair Gretchen Ezernack, and District 4 Councilman Kenneth Wilson. District 5 Councilman Eddie Clark was absent. On each council item, Woods would ask for comments/questions from council members followed by having someone at the door entering into council chambers if anyone outside of council chambers had any problems. Woods reiterated that residents were allowed to submit questions concerning items on the agenda, but no questions were received by the noon deadline on Tuesday.

Council chambers were virtually empty as councilmembers were seated separately with Woods, Ezernack and council clerk Carolyn Riley seated at least 5 feet apart at the council’s podium. Harvey, Wilson and Mayor Jamie Mayo were seated in the same manner in front of the council podium at three long folding tables with sufficient space between them. No action was taken on the proposed condemnation of properties because Woods wanted to make sure that those citizens affected by possible condemnation had the opportunity to speak under normal circumstances, as those items were moved to future meetings. There was a lengthy question/answer period between council members and City Budget Director Dan Richards to accept the introduction of the 2020-2021 Fiscal year budget. More questions than satisfactory answers came from Councilman Doug Harvey.

At one instance during the discussion of the budget, there was an exchange between Mayo and Harvey, as the mayor sought to adequately answer Harvey’s questions. Ezernack interjected during the exchange to remind everyone that the ordinance is for introduction only, saying that discussions can be extended into other meetings. Woods assured Harvey that by the next meeting, more information would be forthcoming. Mayo said that the city is not setting itself up for failure, but will be in a position address any concerns, as his administration will make adjustments as needed. The ordinance passed 3-1 with Harvey voting “no”.