Council votes to fire Chad Sears

What was originally announced as an “executive session lasting no more than one hour” by Russellville Councilman Gary Cummings turned into a three-hour executive session at the end of the April 2 Russellville City Council meeting that ended with the firing of a city employee.

After the session concluded, the council voted to terminate Chad Sears immediately from his position as Russellville Parks and Recreation superintendent – a position he has held since 2006. Councilman Arthur Elliott opposed the vote.

The council then declared a vacancy for the position and authorized an advertisement to be run for the position. Leamon Mosley was declared the interim superintendent starting April 3 until a permanent replacement is found.

The council also:

• Approved a National Library Week Resolution.
• Approved a resolution commending Grace Hamilton for her time of service with the Russellville Public Library.
• Approved the spring softball contract.
• Approved the request from Deborah Freeman to waive the payment in lieu of taxes for the Russellville Housing Authority.
• Approved a request from the Franklin County Extension Office to waive the rental fee of the A.W. Todd Centre March 26, 2018.
• Approved a request from the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to waive the rental fee of the A.W. Todd Centre April 29.