With the Indianola municipal elections fast approaching, the city has yet to approve the election contract with Sunflower County Circuit Clerk Carolyn Hamilton and the associated election fees for poll workers.
For a second time, the city aldermen tabled the approval of the contract with Hamilton and also the contract with Election Systems and Software Company citing the need for more clarification. The approval is again scheduled for review at their next meeting on the 23rd of this month.
City Attorney Kimberly Merchant said, "For this contract, it is unclear who's doing what." She raised several questions and then added, "This needs to be clarified." She also mentioned the contract with Election Systems and Software and said she was confused about whether that company is to program the machines or someone else.
Merchant said she wanted to get with Hamilton for more explanation. "I am not trying to prolong the process; if this is how you guys have been operating and you're comfortable with it, then I say go for it," she said.
Rosenthal attempted to explain how the process has worked in the past, but also mentioned that he does not have a role in the election process. "These are the same people that have done it year in and year out for Mrs. Hamilton and the prior circuit clerk, before them."
The issues seem to center around who is getting paid for which services. Rosenthal asked that Merchant and City Clerk Kaneilia Williams get with Hamilton and get any lingering questions answered. He also said that he would like to see the previous years' signed contracts.
Merchant said, "The contract isn't what worries me. What worries me is the bill." Rosenthal then emphasized that the bill would be based on what's agreed to in the contract.
In other business,
Representatives of the Sunflower County Ministerial Alliance Counseling Service Incorporated presented a request before the city fathers on Monday night, asking for a $15,000 annual appropriation to support a “transitional center.” The request was approved contingent upon the organization obtaining a building to house the operation.
Alderman Marvin Elder made the initial motion to approve the request. However, before a second or a vote could be taken, Alderman Sam Brock asked if the group had already acquired a facility to accommodate the center and was informed that they have not.
Citizen Bettye Sims-Hawkins, who was one of the persons representing SCMACS, said they have been scouting locations, but have not secured a spot. Brock then made the subsidiary motion to wait until that happens. "There's nothing wrong with giving them the funds, but I think that we need to have a center in place before we authorize funds."
Unrelenting, Elder mentioned the billions of dollars available through relief funds and said the money is already in place and called upon the leaders to move forward. "Let us do what we need to do like the Sunflower County Board of Supervisors done," Elder said.
Apparently undaunted by Elder’s plea, Alderman Darrell Simpson seconded Brock’s motion. Alderman Ruben Woods asked for clarification that Brock's intention was to award the appropriation after a location had been acquired, he then said yes and the motion passed 4-0 including Elder. Alderman Gary Fratesi was not present for that portion of the meeting.
Citizen Tommy White acted as the main spokesperson for SCMACS and asked for the private-local agreement for the funding to assist with a transition center. He indicated that the center would be for families and individuals who need services and support.
He said the funds will be used to support daily staff, advertisements and supplies, food and kitchen supplies, transportation services along with meals and lodging among other things.
White mentioned several other agencies that the Ministerial Alliance has partnered with in order to provide the above-mentioned services.
Before the vote, Simpson directed a question to Attorney Merchant regarding a pending situation between the city and SCMACS and Merchant stated that there was a pending litigation, but that it would not have any direct bearing on their decision to support the group's efforts if they chose to do so.
