Town of Gay council approves consent agenda, reviews attorney transition and property upkeep

The Town of Gay council on July 14, 2025, adopted the consent agenda and approved the meeting agenda by unanimous vote. Council members present — Askvig and Watts — made the motions and seconds recorded in the minutes.

Council member Watts reported the town's attorney has been appointed county manager for Pike County and will no longer handle municipal clients; she said Mr. Heath English is taking over those contract clients and will probably contact the town. Watts relayed information from Council member Keith suggesting Scott Mayfield of Smith, Welch, Webb & White in the Barnsville office as an attorney the council should consider as a replacement for Mr. Morton.

Council member Watts raised concerns about several properties in town that need mowing; Clerk Sharon Richmond said she will prepare a draft form letter to notify property owners of ordinance violations and noted direct phone calls could be used when appropriate. Watts also suggested adding a reminder to the town’s water bills.

Clerk Sharon Richmond told the council an issue with how trash payments are appearing in the town's financial reports had been identified and would be corrected before the next meeting. After that report, Council member Watts moved to accept the financial documents; Council member Askvig seconded and the vote in favor was unanimous.

With no additional business, Council member Askvig moved to adjourn at 7:35 p.m.; Council member Watts seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Next steps: the clerk will prepare the draft violation letter and correct the trash-payment reporting error prior to the next meeting; the council may receive contact from Mr. Heath English about legal services and may consider Scott Mayfield as counsel.