Covington council approves vehicle purchases, park paving and hires village administrator

Covington’s Village Council unanimously approved a slate of administrative and capital measures at its March 3, 2025 meeting, clearing purchases of two replacement trucks, authorizing paving at Schoolhouse Park ahead of a mid‑May opening, withdrawing a proposed uniform contract, and approving the hire of Jordan Hodges as village administrator.

The meeting opened at 7:00 p.m. with a roll call showing Council President Amy Welborn and five other council members present. The consent agenda, including the Feb. 18 minutes, passed on a motion by Council Member Jess Reynolds, seconded by Council Member Dawn Duff.

Interim Village Administrator Tim Cline summarized several operational updates and proposed purchases. On a request to replace an aging vehicle used by the Wastewater Treatment Department, Cline said "the F-250 would better fit the needs of the department," and noted the 2008 truck has low trade‑in value and would be repurposed by the police department for small projects. Council voted unanimously to waive the reading rule and approve Resolution R08-25 to purchase a Ford F-250 for the Wastewater Treatment Department.

Cline also proposed replacing a 2000 dump truck used by Public Works with a Ford F-550 because the older vehicle "is unable to be utilized for snow removal." Council waived the three‑reading rule and unanimously approved Resolution R11-25 to authorize that purchase.

Because Schoolhouse Park is scheduled to open May 16–17, Council reviewed a quote from Access Engineering and Wagner Paving to repave the park parking lot for about $70,000. Council moved to waive the reading requirement so Wagner Paving could be scheduled and approved Resolution R12-25 to authorize the work.

Council also considered Resolution R07-25, which would have authorized a contract with Miller’s Textile Services for standardized uniforms and laundering. Cline reported department heads were not interested in adopting uniforms; Council Member Derrick Canan moved to withdraw the resolution, seconded by Council President Amy Welborn, and the withdrawal passed unanimously.

On personnel, Mayor Lee Harmon said the village sought to extend a contract to Jordan Hodges for the Village Administrator role after an extensive search. Council waived the three‑reading rule and approved Resolution R13-25 to hire Hodges; Hodges requested time to give notice to his current employer and assist with transition operations.

Council Member Julie Blumenstock asked that any written communications submitted to council members include the sender’s signature. Mayor Harmon said an executive session was no longer needed, and the meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

Votes at a glance: R07-25 (withdrawn); R08-25 (approve, unanimous); R11-25 (approve, unanimous); R12-25 (approve, unanimous); R13-25 (approve, unanimous).