Marla Jones, Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala.--(FULL VIDEO ON SOUTHERN TORCH FACEBOOK) The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 3.
At the meeting, new Human Resource Manager Tricia Clinton-Dunne confronted Councilmember John M. Smith regarding comments that had recently been made on social media.
“As the new human resources manager, on behalf of all the city employees, I’m asking you on the Council to please not gas-light the public against our city employees” stated Dunne.
Dunne was referring to Facebook posts and comments regarding road conditions within the City of Fort Payne and the misinformation she felt was shared.
Smith responded that he did not consider his comments to be gas-lighting.
“Were just pointing out problems that need to be addressed, which is why we are here” stated Smith. “When it comes to public input, I’m going to ask for as much of it as I can.
Dunne stated the “words hurt”, with Mayor Baine explaining social media policy for City employees.
“Anytime we get on Facebook, we are representing the City, so we need always keep that in mind and remember that words can be hurtful whether they are intended to be or not” stated Baine.
“I think our employees should be able to say anything they want to whenever they want to say it” stated Smith. “ I do not think we should censor anybody.”
After the Council meeting, John Smith spoke about Dunne’s suggestion that City employees were upset about his comments.
“I’ve tried to lead the charge for the city employees by increasing salaries and providing equipment to do their jobs” stated Smith. “ When we took office, we couldn't compete with local towns to hire employees.”
In other business, Public Works Director Tim Williams discussed the substantial increase in the paving list after the last Council meeting, where Smith requested the paving budget be increased. Williams along with Mayor Brian Baine will determine which roads will need treatment first and go down the list for paving.
A discussion was held regarding the vacancy of the City Treasurer‘s position. The job will be posted on the City’s website.
A curbing request for David Burton, 102 20th Street S.W. was approved by the Council.
The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on May 17, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
