CHESTER – Chester Mayor Robert Poynter swore-in, on the Bible, city council incumbents Gale Williams and Bryan Davis at their regular meeting Monday evening, Dec. 1.
A lively discussion over the joint ownership of the City Hall with the Chester Water Board ended with an agreement to meet at the next Water Board meeting on Dec. 18.
Councilman Joe Neal questioned the nature of the emergency meeting called earlier in the month that resulted in a pay raise for the gas employee. Poynter pointed out the necessity for reasons that were acceptable to Neal and the council. The concern over legality was cleared up.
Local resident Keith Mahaffey was voted to the board pending Poynter’s swearing in.
Concerns over the new renovation of the filling station to house gambling machines had most of the council worried. Poynter had in hand a copy of the ordinance Woodville Mayor Amy Bythewood had shared, and Poynter voiced his opposition and need for such an ordinance.
Councilmen Bryan Davis and Wes Whitworth also voiced concerns over crime, including old histories with the late Sheriff Gary Hennigan who had many calls from the crime from such machines in the past. Poynter had touched bases with Woodville Chief of Police Mike McCulley who explained some of the issues he had faced. The council tabled the issue for the next meeting.
