Chula appoints Nicole Barron as city clerk; council approves developing vacant lots, adopts financial statement

The Chula Board of Aldermen unanimously appointed Nicole Barron as the city clerk and approved a plan to pursue development of city-owned vacant lots during its April 9, 2026 meeting at Chula City Hall.

Mayor Cody Ireland nominated Barron for the appointed clerk position; Alderman Kyle Gramenz moved to appoint her and Alderman Andy Harbert seconded. The council voted 4-0 to approve the appointment. "I accept the position of city clerk," Nicole Barron told the council after the vote.

The council also voted, by 4-0 margins, to move forward with developing vacant city lots after discussing an offer tied to property sales in neighboring Trenton. Alderman Andy Harbert said the Trenton arrangement would have the city provide utilities (water, sewer, streets and electric) while a contractor or developer would fund building expenses; options discussed included single-family or two-family homes. Alderman Kyle Gramenz seconded the motion to develop the lots.

In related business the council approved minutes from March 2026 (moved by Kyle Gramenz, seconded by Benny Simpson) and approved the treasurer's report and a financial statement dated Feb. 28, 2026 (motions moved and seconded by aldermen, each approved 4-0). Members corrected an agenda wording error, noting "budget approval" should have read "financial statement approval."

The council scheduled no immediate vote on specific development contracts or financing; aldermen asked staff to solicit bid proposals and return with options. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m.; the board said the next meeting will be scheduled after local election results are known.