Fayette council renews AirMed membership, approves multiple routine purchases and permits

The Fayette City Council voted to renew the city'wide membership with AirMed Care Network and approved a series of routine procurement items during its meeting.

Cory (Cory) Merchant, representing AirMed Care Network, told the council the membership "protects your residents from the high out-of-pocket costs that can come with emergency air medical transport" and noted the program operates from a locally based aircraft and crew. Councilors asked about usage data; Merchant said he could provide specific transport counts privately but would not release them in the public forum. Councilor Wilson moved to renew the municipal membership (the city'wide MSP); Councilor Rogers seconded and the council approved the one-year renewal.

The council also approved a sole-source procurement to proceed with Axon equipment and services for the police department. Sergeant Robert said he had requested sole-source documentation from Axon and received an extensive packet supporting the vendor claim; the proposal as discussed would cost the city roughly $17,000 per year over five years with a required 10% payment in the current fiscal year because the contract begins mid-year. A motion to proceed was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Facilities and public-works items were also approved. Council accepted a $4,335.78 quote to rewire the downstairs City Hall lift after staff said the work, combined with prior spending, would leave the lift repair within the originally planned $10,000 line. Councilman Wiggs moved the lift repair approval, Councilman Wilson seconded and the motion passed.

Public-works staff requested authority to purchase a pallet of tack coat material from Whitecap to improve asphalt patch longevity; the presenter cited a pallet price of $4,700 and said the item was not in the original budget. Council discussed funding lines and approved the purchase by voice.

The council granted a freight/street-use permit to move the farmers market to Temple Avenue on Saturdays (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.) from May 23 through Labor Day to boost downtown foot traffic. Chief Jenkins supported a removable-barricade plan so emergency access could be maintained; Councilman Rogers moved approval and the motion passed.

Councilors also accepted the resignation of Claude Sutton from the Housing Abatement Board (letter dated April 2, 2026). Councilor Wilson moved to accept the resignation; Councilman Harry seconded and the council approved. Councilor Rogers announced he would appoint Belton Hart to that board and said he would coordinate onboarding with the chief.

The meeting closed with scheduling of the next regular meeting for May 12 at 5:00 p.m. and an adjournment motion that carried.

What happens next: several items approved tonight (the AirMed renewal, Axon procurement, the lift repair, the Whitecap purchase, and the farmers market permit) will appear in the city's purchasing and contract records for execution. The Housing Abatement Board appointment will be processed ahead of the board's next meeting.