No-shows again in Meigs called meeting

Published 2:05 pm Tuesday, August 2, 2016

MEIGS, Ga. – The third time is not the charm when it comes to the City of Meigs and called meetings. 

Monday evening, a called council meeting was to take place at the Meigs Community Center – the third called meeting in less than a month with no quorum. 

Tom Lehman, city attorney, said because half of the council was absent, there was no quorum, and therefore, “no meeting.” 

Dorothy Wimes and Lizzie Battle were present. Cynthia Anderson and Stephanie Battle were absent. 

The purpose of the called meeting was for the council to discuss potential litigation and the vacant city manager position in a closed session. 

Lehman said the meeting also was called to discuss the two vacant positions of mayor and council member before the start of the election qualifying period, that begins Monday, Aug. 8. 

A problem with Meigs’ wastewater system also was expected to be discussed. 

According to Section 2.34 of the City of Meigs charter, “four councilmen shall constitute a quorum.” 

Section 2.35 states a quorum can exist with two-thirds of council members present, only in regards to passing emergency ordinances. According to the same section, an emergency ordinance is defined as a “public emergency affecting life, health, property or public peace.” 

Called meetings were previously scheduled for July 7 and July 25. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.