Caraway council appoints recorder/treasurer

Caraway Chief of Police Jerry Vaughn (left) presents officer Chris Kelems with appreciation plaque. Officer Kelems has taken a position with the Craighead County Sheriff's Department. (Town Crier photo/Nan Snider)

The Caraway City Council met in regular session on Thursday, March 10, and appointed a new city recorder/treasurer, approved a FEMA grant, and recognized a city policeman, who has taken a job with the Craighead County Sheriff's department.

After a brief executive session, the council voted 4-1, to appoint Lisa Taylor to fill the vacancy of recorder/treasurer. Councilman John Boatman cast the opposing vote, and Brent Powell abstained from voting.

The council approved an application for a $132,000 FEMA grant being prepared by Barry Riley, fire chief. The 95-5 FEMA grant will leave $7,000 to be paid by the city.

"Barry has been gracious enough to prepare this grant, and it is a good deal for the city," Mayor Joe South said.

Police Chief Jerry Vaughn announced that policeman Chris Kelems had turned in his resignation effective March 13. Kelems had taken a job with the Craighead County Sheriff's Department.

The council voted to accept the resignation.

Vaughn presented Kelems with a plaque of appreciation from the City of Caraway. Councilmen also congratulated Kelems and wished him well.

In other business:

*Approved payment of $3,645 to Miller-Newell for park fencing.

*Mayor South announced that the city siren has been installed and is ready to be tested. Plans are to set a date and time to set it off, weekly.

*Alderman Kenny Weathers volunteered to contact a surveyor to contact the city about properties for sale.

*Spring Clean Sweep has been set for March 21-25. Plans are to set a container in the old gin yard for dumping.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be at 6 p.m. April 14 at Caraway City Hall.