Sardis Board considers Arnold’s proposal to manage 51 ball park
Published 12:16 pm Friday, October 27, 2017
Sardis Board considers Arnold’s proposal to manage 51 ball park
By Rupert Howell
Sardis aldermen disallowed a trip request by Mayor Lula Palmer and moved closer to allowing George Arnold to manage the city ball field located near Highway 51 during a special meeting Monday.
Palmer’s election to the mayor’s position qualified her to be nominated for “Women of Excellence” status by State Representative Lataisha Jackson. The Minneapolis trip was in connection with the designation and Palmer explained that only a few of the presentations offered at the convocation would pertain to the business of Sardis.
Alderman Michael Price said the distinction sounded more like a personal honor and Alderman Bonnie Smith said the honor was commendable but didn’t see how items on the meeting’s agenda would help the city and the proposal failed for lack of a motion.
Arnold’s persistence to manage the local park may have paid off after the board instructed attorney Tommy Shuler to draw up an agreement to clarify the city’s and Arnold’s responsibilities while managing the field.
A previous news story erroneously implied that Arnold was not catering to the children in their use of the field, an implication that board members and Arnold said was not factual.
“That hurt me, that hurt me bad,” Arnold said explaining that although he is not over the youth program at the field, he assists them in any way he can.
Arnold asked that the contract not go into effect until spring of next year where he can receive some income through spring ball to offset liability insurance costs required by the city.
Board members voted to go into closed door session and discuss applicants for the assistant clerk’s position.