The November Minden City Council Meeting was a brief one, given there only being a total of six items on the agenda, with the main points of interest being the hiring of a new City Clerk and five promotions within the Minden Police Department.
The appointment of the new City Clerk Debra Smith was motioned in by Councilman Wayne Edwards of Dist. A, by Councilman Vincen Bradford of Dist. C, and the vote was met with unanimous approval.
Welcome aboard Mrs. Smith. We hope you have a long fruitful life with the City of Minden,” said Gardner.
Thank you, I look forward to working with all of you,” said Smith.
Next the Council voted to promote five individuals within the Minden Police Department, with one being promoted to the rank of Captain and four being promoted to the rank of Officer 1st Class. All of these promotions were approved by the Council.
Later during his report, the Minden Police Chief Steve Cropper said of the officers, “I want to congratulate all five officers on their promotions. Lt. Morgan has been with the Department for 23 years I believe. It was time for him to take that position when we lost Captain Marvin Garrett.”
After the Chief’s report, Councilman Terika Williams Walker asked Chief Cropper if Minden had seen a higher rate of alcohol related arrests since the sale of alcohol had become legal.
“Out of all the citations, now that we have alcohol in Minden, how many were alcohol related?” asked Councilman Walker.
Cropper was hesitant to give a definitive answer without having the numbers to back it up, but did allude he thought the rate of DWI’s had increased.
“I do know just off the top of my head that we have made some DWI arrests here recently,” said Cropper.
“There is an increase?” asked Councilman Bradford.
“I haven’t checked the stats but it seems like it,” responded Cropper.
Chief Cropper assured the Council that he would get the data to provide a better understanding of just how much of an increase there potentially is.
Given that the meeting was held the evening before election day, all the Councilmen during their comment echoed the importance of making sure that the citizens of Minden go out to vote.
“Tomorrow is election day, please get out and vote. Your vote really matters,” said Councilman Edwards.
“Just to reiterate what Mr. Edwards said, please go out and vote, exercise your right to vote, every vote counts,” said Councilman Walker.
Tommy Davis, recently appointed as interim Councilman for District D, stated, “This is my first take to make a council comment in seven years, so I’m not really sure how to handle myself tonight,” said Davis. “I just want to thank the council and the citizens of Minden for giving me the opportunity to serve for a short period of time. I hope I can bring a little knowledge, wisdom, and service experience to the council.”
The Minden City Council Meetings take place the first Monday of every month starting at 5:30 p.m. Although the meeting is open to the public, it is asked that those attending please wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines. Those that want to watch it without attending in person can do so at the City of Minden’s Youtube Channel titled City of Minden – Feels Like Home.
