Goodman Council Wants Resignation

POLICE CHIEF REFUSES; RESIDENTS TURN OUT IN HIS SUPPORT

A standing-room-only crowd packed the Goodman City Council meeting Tuesday with people who support Police Chief Curt Drake.

The residents came to defend Drake and to protest actions taken against him during a closed special City Council meeting Sept. 26. During the closed meeting, Alderman Calvin Wilson moved that Drake be asked to turn in his resignation, according to draft minutes of the meeting. Alderman Keith Kohley seconded the motion, with aldermen Calvin Wilson, Roger Coe, Alice Kezar and Kohley voting to approve the motion. Drake was given two days to turn in his equipment. Drake refused to resign. At a closed City Council meeting on Sept. 28, Wilson made a motion rescinding the request for Drake’s resignation, with a second from Coe. Coe, Wilson, Kohley and Kezar voted to approve the motion. There were no votes against the measure.

Mayor Greg Richmond then asked for a motion to put Drake on 6-month probation. Wilson made the motion, with a second from Kohley. Coe, Kohley, Kezar and Wilson voted yes. There were no “No” votes.

Many of the residents praised Drake, who has served on the Goodman police force for more than a decade. The residents protested the manner in which the proposed actions against Drake were taken.

The crowd supporting Drake broke into applause for him more than once when residents voiced their protests regarding the actions taken against him at the closed meetings.

Some of the residents said a council member rides around with another officer on the police force, bullying and harassing residents, while Drake conducts himself professionally and is always there

for them.

Richmond said Drake will remain on the 6-month probation while serving as chief. The mayor acknowledged the significant support Drake received.

Richmond noted that he received bids for lighting replacement at City Hall and the police station. It was decided by Richmond and the council that the bids will be considered and the council will vote next week which one to accept.

Richmond reminded everyone present that the Ozark Orchard Festival is coming up from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8.

Adam Murphy addressed the council requesting the approval of a concession stand at the area where the Holiday Express train will stop in Goodman in December. Richmond said he will research and let Murphy know if the concession stand can be approved.

The previous request by John Bunch regarding removing a sanitation line item on his bill due to him not using the service was tabled. Richmond said these matters must be considered on a case-bycase basis. He said he will do research and a decision will be made in the future.

Bills were discussed and approved in the amount of $33,363.66.