City Accepts Resignation of Acting Police Chief; Other Personnel Actions Taken

Holden City Council members addressed several personnel issues at their regular December meeting.

Council received a letter of resignation from Acting Police Chief Matt Carter, and all voted to accept the resignation.

Carter’s last day on the job was December 21.

Council members discussed how to fill the position Carter had vacated.

Mayor Liz Weeks informed council that for the immediate future, Captain David Mayhew would fill in as Acting Police Chief.

Weeks added that the City would be actively searching for qualified candidates to assume the police chief position.

In other personnel business, Mayor Weeks said the City needed to appoint a new member to the Holden Board of Public Works (BPW).

A motion was made to appoint Julie Getz to the BPW.

After a second to the motion, all voted to approve and motion passed.

In Fire Department news, it was announced there have been several promotions within the department.

It was reported the following were promoted: Gary Stocklaufer – to captain; Brian Martley – to captain; and Caleb Scarbrough – to lieutenant.

In a final personnel action, council discussed the recommendation of the Merit Board to hire Nick Martin as a police officer and codes enforcement officer.

After a motion was made to hire Martin, a second followed, and a unanimous vote by council members, the measure passed.

In election business, Mayor Weeks informed council that the following would be up for election on April 5: Office of Mayor, for a four-year term; and one councilman in each Ward, all two-year terms.

Mayor Weeks read for the first time, Bill No. 12-01-2021: An Ordinance “Providing For A General Election In The City Of Holden, Missouri, For The Purpose Of Electing The Following Officers To Wit: One Mayor For A Four-Year Term And Four City Council Members, All For Two-Year Terms.” Council voted to approve the first reading of the ordinance.

The Mayor read Bill No. 12-01-2021 for the second time and council approved the reading.

In her mayor’s communications, Weeks told council that Holden had received an award for “Best Tractor Pull” from the MSTPA Banquet on December 4, 2021.

Mayor Weeks said this is the second time the City received an award.

She continued her report, saying the Magic Tree is all lit up outside of city hall and she invited families to stop by for a photo opportunity.

In resolutions and ordinances, Weeks read Resolution No. R2-21, trespassing Cole Atkinson from the Holden City Park, the downtown memorial park, and the Holden City Lake.

Atkinson is forbidden to enter any of these city properties because of destruction of property and ongoing disruptions.

The Mayor moved on to a resolution regarding the installation of stop signs at the intersection of 3rd and Main Streets.

Council discussed vehicles parked near the intersection and if a traffic study was needed for this location.

Bill No. 12-02-2021, an ordinance approving the installation of stop signs at 3rd and Main, was read for the first time, and after a motion to approve and a roll call vote, motion failed.

Council voted as follows: Councilman Jim McDaniel-no, Councilman Rusty Kephart-no, Councilman Ray Briscoe-no, Council Member Julie Fields-no, Council Member Robin Watkins-yes, Council Member Renee Rahe-yes, Councilman Jeremy Knox-yes.

In a zoning action, Weeks read for the first time, Bill No. 12-04-2021, “An Ordinance Authorizing Change Of Zoning District For Certain Real Property Located In Holden, Missouri, From R-2 (Residential District) To C-1 (Retail Business District) Property.”

There was discussion about how the Planning & Zoning Commission did not recommend allowing the zoning change.

After a roll call vote, council voted unanimously against allowing the zoning change.

See next week’s Image for an update on bids for painting and cleaning of city hall, as well as committee reports.