Post by TF Admin on Oct 4, 2006 9:11:56 GMT -6
It seems the council is not all that unified. Lately, multiple items have been coming up that has put the Council at odds with one another. I never would have thought the Major Thoroughfare Committee would be the straw though.
The Council has long since gone with their recommendations, but this definitely shows their are strains within the Council. Factions are forming, and none of them like it. What will this mean for the residents of Tupelo. Time will tell.
Tupelo council rejects roadwork advice
10/4/2006 8:01:23 AM
Daily Journal
By ANDY KANENGISER
Daily Journal
TUPELO – In a surprise move, a divided Tupelo City Council Tuesday named Cook Coggin Engineers to tackle the fourth phase of the city’s massive roadbuilding program.
By a 5-4 vote following contentious debate, the council ignored a unanimous recommendation by the Major Thoroughfare Committee to select Engineering Solutions Inc. after two months of delays and controversy.
“This is a shock,” said Thoroughfare Committee chairman Greg Pirkle after the council acted. “I expected them to come to the conclusion that the committee is fair. This is a very high disappointment.”
After the council rejected their advice, “resignation is on everybody’s minds,” Pirkle, a Tupelo lawyer, said of the panel of citizen volunteers. The group voted 18-0 in August for the council to select ESI.
The council’s action disturbed Mayor Ed Neelly, who Monday urged members to select ESI and honor the wishes and hard work of citizens.
Ward 5 councilman Bill Martin exited Tuesday’s meeting saying Cook Coggin could start the design work on the $30 million Phase 4 today, but Neelly said that may not be the case.
“They can’t do it until I sign off on what they do,” Neelly said. He said he has looked at possible options. “I will sleep on it.”
Tupelo City Council attorney Guy Mitchell III said Neelly reserves the right to veto the council’s action.
Some council members were visibly upset afterwards.
“I’m exceedingly disappointed,” said Councilwoman at Large Doyce Deas. “This is destructive behavior. Not one positive thing is gained by this exhibition. This is not the Tupelo spirit.”
Council Vice President Smith Heavner said awarding a contract to Cook Coggin will save taxpayers about $250,000. “The low bid should play a big part when both parties are qualified,” he said.
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TF
The Council has long since gone with their recommendations, but this definitely shows their are strains within the Council. Factions are forming, and none of them like it. What will this mean for the residents of Tupelo. Time will tell.
Tupelo council rejects roadwork advice
10/4/2006 8:01:23 AM
Daily Journal
By ANDY KANENGISER
Daily Journal
TUPELO – In a surprise move, a divided Tupelo City Council Tuesday named Cook Coggin Engineers to tackle the fourth phase of the city’s massive roadbuilding program.
By a 5-4 vote following contentious debate, the council ignored a unanimous recommendation by the Major Thoroughfare Committee to select Engineering Solutions Inc. after two months of delays and controversy.
“This is a shock,” said Thoroughfare Committee chairman Greg Pirkle after the council acted. “I expected them to come to the conclusion that the committee is fair. This is a very high disappointment.”
After the council rejected their advice, “resignation is on everybody’s minds,” Pirkle, a Tupelo lawyer, said of the panel of citizen volunteers. The group voted 18-0 in August for the council to select ESI.
The council’s action disturbed Mayor Ed Neelly, who Monday urged members to select ESI and honor the wishes and hard work of citizens.
Ward 5 councilman Bill Martin exited Tuesday’s meeting saying Cook Coggin could start the design work on the $30 million Phase 4 today, but Neelly said that may not be the case.
“They can’t do it until I sign off on what they do,” Neelly said. He said he has looked at possible options. “I will sleep on it.”
Tupelo City Council attorney Guy Mitchell III said Neelly reserves the right to veto the council’s action.
Some council members were visibly upset afterwards.
“I’m exceedingly disappointed,” said Councilwoman at Large Doyce Deas. “This is destructive behavior. Not one positive thing is gained by this exhibition. This is not the Tupelo spirit.”
Council Vice President Smith Heavner said awarding a contract to Cook Coggin will save taxpayers about $250,000. “The low bid should play a big part when both parties are qualified,” he said.
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TF
