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Lake City Council approves condemnation, sets police salaries and adopts U.S. Highway 78 designation request
Summary
At its July 17 meeting the Lake City Council voted unanimously to continue condemnation proceedings for the Burnside property on Cottonwood, set starting and adjusted salaries for two police officers, and adopt Resolution No. 2023-7-17 requesting U.S. Highway 78 designation for specified routes.
Mayor Cameron Tate presided over the Lake City Council’s July 17, 2023 meeting at Lake City Hall, where the council approved several personnel and land-use actions and adopted a transportation resolution.
The council voted unanimously (6-0) to continue condemnation proceedings for the Burnside property on Cottonwood after a motion from Councilmember Harmony Cash, seconded by Councilmember Kate Wells. The motion directs city staff to proceed with the condemnation process; the council did not provide a timetable or additional details at the meeting.
Councilmembers also discussed and approved police pay changes following a brief executive session on personnel. Councilmember Jay Davis moved to enter executive session to discuss the salary for newly hired officer Gavin Rook; the motion passed 6-0 and the council later voted to set Rook’s starting salary at $37,000 with a raise to $38,500 once he is certified. Councilmember Harmony Cash moved the salary motion, which Councilmember Brenda Hutcheson seconded. Rook’s start date was recorded as July 18, 2023.
Separately, the council approved an immediate salary adjustment for Officer Aaron Bupp to $43,462.48. The motion was made by Councilmember Harmony Cash and seconded by Councilmember Brenda Hutcheson and passed 6-0.
On a transportation matter, Councilmember Brenda Hutcheson moved, seconded by Councilmember Jake Emery, to adopt Resolution No. 2023-7-17. The resolution requests adding a U.S. Highway 78 designation to portions of Interstate 55, Interstate 555, U.S. Highway 49, State Highway 18, State Highway 18 Spur and State Highway 226 from Memphis through West Memphis, Blytheville and Jonesboro to future Interstate 57. The adoption vote was unanimous (6-0).
Other routine business included approval of the June 19, 2023 meeting minutes (motion by Councilmember Harmony Cash, seconded by Councilmember Kate Wells, passed 6-0), a review of the city’s financial statements by Mayor Tate, thanks to volunteers for the Lake City Community Fest, and scheduling the next regular council meeting for Aug. 21, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. after a motion by Councilmember Brenda Hutcheson, seconded by Councilmember Harmony Cash.
The council did not record additional details about the Burnside condemnation timeline, any notices to property owners, or follow-up steps on the transportation request in the meeting minutes. Those items will require further public records or future council agendas for more information.
