Council rings in 2019 with first meeting

The first Russellville City Council meeting of the new year was a short one that dealt mostly with the Russellville Police Department.

Councilmembers accepted the letter of resignation from Lt. Chad Sheffield and declared a vacancy for a lieutenant to be promoted from within the classified service. Dustin Lovelady was approved to be appointed as a lieutenant for RPD.

A vacancy was declared for a sergeant position to be promoted from within the classified service, and Antonio Melecio was appointed as a police sergeant.

A vacancy was declared for a patrol officer, and the Civil Service Board was asked to add an additional name to the list.

Other meeting business included:

• A public hearing to solicit citizen input concerning a transfer of license application for retail liquor, off-premise consumption, for Mike’s Beverages on Highway 43. No one spoke for or against the matter, and the subsequent resolution was approved.
• Approval to purchase a new heating and air conditioning unit for the A.W. Todd Centre for $14,887 from the capital improvement funds.
• Approval of the Parks and Recreation basketball contract.
• Approval of Nick Willis’ appointment to the electric board. Councilmen Arthur Elliott and Gary Cummings abstained from voting.