Commission calls special meeting, OKs attorney hire

After members of the Bryant City Council voted earlier this week to give the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission 30-days notice of terminations, the commissioners called a special meeting Friday.

The Saline Courier was notified approximately four hours ahead of the meeting, which was held at Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta in Bryant.

The purpose of the meeting was to “follow up on some business that was done during the last meeting,” said Chairman Bob Joiner.

During the previous meeting, the commissioners discussed the hiring of an attorney to represent the commission. Even through the selected attorney was not named during the previous meeting, former Bryant Staff Attorney Chris Madison attended Friday’s meeting.

“We don’t have to announce. I think most of you know Chris Madison,” Joiner said. “The whole purpose of this meeting is to review the scope of services.”

The majority of the meeting was held in executive session.

After moving into executive session at 3:35 p.m. Friday, about 25 minutes later, the commission requested Madison join the session. The commissioners then returned to the open session after another 20 minutes.

They then voted to accept Madison’s services with Aldermen Carlton Billingsley agreeing to execute the agreement.

Madison was hired by former Mayor Jill Dabbs during her first term in office because the city did not have an elected attorney.

Shortly before the end of 2018, and Dabbs’ time as mayor, Madison left his post with the city.

Madison’s last day was Dec. 28, 2018, according to a termination letter written by Dabbs.

“You have done an exceptional job as staff attorney for the city of Bryant, raising the standards for every department, by being actively engaged with

ongoing daily issues, by looking out for the best interest of the city of Bryant, its employees and citizens. I recognize the contributions you have made to make Bryant a better place, and its government more attuned to the nuances of municipal law and requirements. I am saddened by the turn of events resulting in the necessity to relieve you of your position with the city of Bryant,” according to the letter.

The commission’s special meeting comes days after the Bryant City Council’s regular meeting.

During the final portion of the council meeting Tuesday, newly elected Alderman RJ Hawk made a motion to “issue a 30-day termination notice to all A&P members appointed by the previous administration.”

The motion was approved with the two aldermen currently serving on the commission, as well as Alderman Rob Roedel absent.

“This is the time and opportunity to re-examine the goals and strategic plan that has been set for our Advertising and Promotion Commission. We need to remain vigilant in our pursuit to ensure Bryant is remaining a competitive community in all possible genres, including our sports tourism industry, business recruitment and ensuring the longterm growth of our city,” according to a prepared statement made by Hawk.

The only commissioner not involved in the termination vote will be Billingsley, who was appointed by Mayor Allen Scott.

According to the city’s ordinance, “the city council of the city of Bryant may remove any member of the commission by a 2/3 vote, upon 30 days notice of intent to take such vote and prior to such vote occurring.”

Both Roedel and Scott made statements to the Courier involving the commission.

“As one of the fastest growing cities in Central Arkansas, we must always be willing to apply change as needed to ensure the

long-term success of our community. This would most certainly include the promotion of our city through all means necessary, which should be the ultimate goal of the A&P Commission.” Roedel said.

Scott said he has some concerns regarding Friday’s meeting.

“I have some concern, that while the commission may have been within it’s right to call this special meeting, the action taken during the meeting was not listed in the public notice. This falls outside the spirit and relationship that we, as a city, have with the residents that we represent,” Scott said.

The council will have a special meeting for the termination vote the first week of June. The exact date and time for the meeting is expected to be announced next week.

All meetings are open to the public and attendance is encouraged.