Walker commission accepts Burke resignation, appoints Chase mayor pro tem and adopts zoning amendment

The Walker City Commission on the evening in question accepted the resignation of Commissioner Burke, approved $986,733.72 in expenditures on the consent agenda, appointed Commissioner Chase as mayor pro tem and adopted a second-reading amendment to the city's code governing permitted uses in industrial districts.

The commission voted to accept Commissioner Burke's resignation and to place the open seat on the slate for appointment at the commission's second January meeting. The consent agenda, which included the expenditure total, passed by voice vote.

A resolution to appoint a mayor pro tem for the coming year passed after a nomination for Commissioner Chase was moved and seconded; commissioners said the appointment would take effect immediately if Commissioner Chase had no objection. Later in the meeting the body held the second reading of an amendment to section 5.03 (the table of permitted uses and industrial districts). The ordinance was moved for adoption and the motion carried. The ordinance number was read aloud during the meeting (reported in the audio as "25-7-679"), but the recording is unclear on the exact digits.

Procedural motions to excuse the mayor's absence and to approve the minutes from the Dec. 22, 2025 meeting also passed without recorded roll-call tallies.

The commission closed by setting upcoming dates: interviews for the 1st Ward are expected the week of Jan. 15 (with a note to accommodate MLK Day scheduling) and a full commission meeting is planned for Jan. 26.