Residents share thoughts about former DEI officer's resignation, other concerns at council meeting
An overflow of citizens were in attendance on Monday night, February 27, for the Lexington City Council’s biweekly meeting. This was the first time the council met since former DEI Officer Dr. Patricia Smyre submitted her letter of resignation the previous Monday.
A total of 10 persons spoke during the time allotted for public comments. Before opening the floor to anyone who wanted to speak, Mayor Jason Hayes asked attendees to respect the ground rules. They included observing a three minute time limit, refraining from personal attacks, being respectful and maintaining decorum.
The snippets below are either paraphrased and/or taken directly from citizens’ quotes:'
Rev. Alan Suber - was there on behalf of the NAACP; stated he had feelings of sadness at a time wen DEI is important; will continue to offer his services in the search for the next DEI Officer; also was there as an advocate for Charles McNeair; stated his call to action for his clemency - there will be a peaceful protest on March 25 in Raleigh at the Capitol; asked Lexington to stop covering up racism
Rosa Terry - “If we don’t care/love one another, telling me I’m a valued member means nothing.”; noted Smyre had training in how to handle issues the city is experiencing; “How do you justify that? You’re the only ones who can fix this. Asking us to come up here and speak out but you take no action. What’s the purpose? Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. We’re tired of it.”
Retired LPD Lt. Melissa Price Carter - was the only female supervisor at LPD; only supevisor that lived inside the city; told by LPD Chief Robby Rummage that she doesn’t value people; officers are leaving because they don’t like baggage from the admins - chief, deputy chief and captains; it’s a toxic environment; when she retired she only wanted the benefits and no celebration; wasn’t taken seriously whenever she spoke out while serving as an officer; asked council to investigate the red flags of why mid-level supervisors are leaving the department
Denise Lloyd - heard there are generational trends in the city; heard only certain businesses get grants
Tyleata Jones - thanked Councilor Jim Myers for coming to her restaurant and volunteering; said she told the council before that warning comes before destruction; “Some of ya’ll need to stop pointing fingers and take the blame. If you believe in what’s right, do what’s right.”
Zachary Queen - his concerns have increased for this growing community; hope someone will pass along his message that we don’t want this war
Tommy Black - so much hate and vitrol now; “Smyre isn’t the only one resigning. What’s changed?”; examine all your options
Marilyn Taylor - has served as a trainer for the city since 1993; Terra Greene’s leadership has continued; she’s led with civility; can see the seeds of leadership fortitude in her; let’s work together to build a city where all are welcome
Burr Sullivan - urged the council to stay focused on economic development, building the fiscal budget and a high level of service for all taxpayers; set protocol for resolving HR processes ad be transparent about findings; thankful for the decades of service from Greene
Lawanda Turman - asked council to look into Smyre’s resignation
Prior to public comments, Greene recognized the retirement of Golf Pro JJ Fashimpaur. An employee of the city since June 1994, Fashimpaur is credited with increasing revenue, substantially, at the golf course and leading several renovations at the grounds.
Proclamations were also read for Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month and Development Disability Awareness Month.
Additional business is as follows:
Approved Economic Development Incentive Grant Related to Project Merlot - Childress Vineyards is seeking to expand their manufacturing operations and would invest a minimum of up to 5.5 million and would create 20 new jobs; a public hearing was held whereas there were no public comments.
A public hearing was held regarding the appropriation for Economic Development Purposes - Matching Funds for the Childress Winery, LLC./Project Merlot Rural Building Reuse Grant. It was closed without public comments. The hearing had to be held before the fund is appropriated.
Approved Economic Development Incentive Grant Contract - Project Gemini; a continued public hearing was held whereas Susie Joyner spoke as a resident of the neighborhood. Joyner is concerned with road developments and options. Asked council for flexibility in meeting the end goals. Rev. Linwood Buford, Jr. asked with this particular contract will there be a certain number of jobs offered to minorities. Company would initially invest up to 250 million by the end of 2025.
Neighborhood Revitalization Funds Program - Allocated funds allocated from Mayor and City Council toward rental of the Commons on the Green for the Southside Senior Citizens 60th Anniversary Event from the Neighborhood Revitalization Funds Program; each councilor (with the exception of John Burke) and Hayes provided $100 from their fund for the event.
Guy Foreman appointed to the Lake Thom-A-Lex board
