Forest Park council approves towing contract, surplus sales, easements and interim city manager; council records other routine items

The Forest Park Mayor and Council on Aug. 18 approved a series of routine and administrative items, including a towing contract renewal, surplus declarations, property easements and acquisitions, a resignation and general release agreement, and the appointment of Chief Latasha Clements as interim city manager.

Key votes at a glance

- New Image Towing and Record Services contract renewal: Council approved continuing towing, removal, storage and impoundment services under a cooperative contract with Clayton County; the administrative fee to the city was stated as $50 per vehicle and city-owned vehicles are not charged. Motion was moved and seconded and passed by roll-call vote (affirmative votes recorded for Councilmembers James, Gunn, Gutierrez, Akins Wells and Mears).

- Surplus items (Public Works fleet): Council approved declaring listed tools, equipment and inoperable vehicles as surplus so they may be disposed of. Motion was moved by Councilwoman James, seconded by Councilwoman Gunn, and passed by roll call.

- Temporary construction easements for Linda Way sidewalk improvements: Council approved temporary construction easements related to the city's sidewalk improvement projects on Linda Way. Motion moved by Councilwoman James and seconded by Councilmember Dunn; the motion passed by roll call.

- Temporary acquisition / eminent domain authorization for property in Land Lot 79 (Linda Way area): Council authorized temporary acquisition by negotiated purchase or, if necessary, by eminent domain for public purposes tied to right-of-way and infrastructure improvements; motion moved by Councilwoman James, seconded by Councilman Mears, and approved by roll call.

- Resignation and general release agreement with Ricky Clark Jr.: Council approved the resignation and general release agreement between the City of Forest Park and Ricky Clark Jr.; motion was moved and seconded and approved by roll call.

- Appointment of interim city manager: Council voted to accept Chief Latasha Clements to serve as interim city manager. The motion passed by roll call; councilmembers recorded affirmative votes and the city announced an immediate transition of duties.

Routine minutes and agendas: The council also approved minutes for Aug. 4 and a special-call meeting Aug. 13, adopted the consent agenda and approved the agenda for the meeting by unanimous voice/roll-call votes recorded on the record.

The council did not record any recorded no votes on these items in the transcript. Several items were discussed in more detail elsewhere on the agenda (for example land-use and recycling matters).