Decatur reappoints city attorney, approves board appointments; resolution confirming executive session passes with abstentions

The Decatur City Commission on Jan. 5 authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement with the law firm "Wilson, Morton and Downs" to provide legal services and designated Irene Vander Els to continue serving as city attorney. The recommendation noted Vander Els has served as city attorney since January 2025.

During discussion a commissioner acknowledged community concerns that the same firm represents both the city and the Decatur city schools and said the commission should "start a conversation" about that arrangement in future years. Vander Els's willingness to continue was confirmed in the meeting record. The reappointment motion was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

The commission also approved a resolution confirming an executive session from Dec. 15, 2025; the motion carried with two abstentions recorded and the chair voting 'aye.'

On board appointments, the commission approved several nominees by voice vote: Kelly Walsh to the Decatur Development Authority (term through Dec. 31, 2029); Patricia Garrett to the Legacy Decatur board (term through Dec. 31, 2028); and David Kaye and Will Slack to the Zoning Board of Appeals (terms through Dec. 31, 2028). The chair noted appointees had been contacted in advance.

During the requests and petitions portion of the meeting, resident Patty Garrett praised the city’s hosting of visiting Buddhist monks for the Walk for Peace and singled out assistant/acting city manager Teresa DeCastro and staff (including David Younger, Langston Leek and Scott Richards) for their role in welcoming thousands of visitors. "I was really proud of the city and that we were so inviting to thousands of people that came and enjoyed that event," Garrett said.

All formal motions recorded in the transcript were approved by voice vote; roll-call tallies were not provided in the meeting record included in the transcript.