The Mansfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday night, April 18. Members present included James Steele, Julie Thomas, Sheri Hopkins, Boyd Farmer, and Beverly Lyons. Alderman Glen Hurt was absent.
Also present, Mayor Buddy Black and Recorder/Treasurer Becky Walker.
After approving the minutes and financial reports from the March meeting, the council heard the city services reports. Mayor Black presented all three departmental reports, fire, police and public works. City attorney Travis Plummer stated there were no new matters to discuss, with the exception of amendment to city ordinance 2024-2, listed on the agenda.
The council would vote to hear, and adopt the changes to ordinance 2024-2, regarding water meter boxes.
In the last matter of unfinished business, a discussion about the proposed RV park at N. Caldwell and E. Center Street, adjacent to the Mansfield Elementary School. Steele stated his position, again, noting that he would be voting against the proposal out of concern for the safety and security of the children.
Mayor Black allowed audience members to speak. Bobby Musgrove addressed the council, stating, “I can tell by the looks on your faces, I know how you will vote. But we are losing businesses in this town…with this RV park, the city could charge a 2% tourism tax…You have got to think about the city. We have run businesses out of town out of stupidity…I can see all your points, you’re afraid that some kids might get kidnapped, raped or molested, but that can happen anywhere at any time…
Alderman Farmer responded stating that because he is elected by the people, and that the overwhelming majority of people were against it, he must vote no. Thomas agreed, stating “I have never had so many people reach out to me about an issue since I have been elected.”
Mayor Black noted that he had invited both the school superintendent, and Don Wheeler, the owner of that property, to attend the meeting. However, neither were present.
Steele would make the motion that there would be no RV park at the location at N. Caldwell and E. Street, adjacent to the Elementary School. Hopkins seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
In matters of new business, the council would approve the certification raise for officer Eric Townley. Additionally, two new members of the Mansfield Fire Department, Kyle England and Dylan Thomas.
Mayor Black reported on the updates to the wastewater facility and sought approval from the council for a skid unit for the fire department’s new brush truck to be purchased with county funds.
Before adjourning, the announcement was made about the Mayor’s Fishing Derby to be held on Saturday, April 20 at 8 a.m., Mansfield City Lake.
