New London police chief, council member abruptly resign

By KARYN SPORY

Mt. Pleasant News

NEW LONDON ? The resignation of Police Chief John Chaney wasn?t the only one the New London City Council had to contend with during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night. Councilman Greg Thu sat a pile of papers on the council table, information he had for the night?s meeting, shook his fellow council member?s hands and left as a former council member.

New London Mayor Ron Sadler and City Clerk Kasi Howard had no comment as to the reason for either Cheney or Thu?s departure.

Thu also declined to comment as to the reason of his departure. As of press time, phone calls to Cheney had not been returned.

Council member Greg Malott made a motion not to accept Chaney?s resignation because he did not believe Chaney?s resignation letter was ?fit? for public filing due to his reason for leaving.

Malott alluded there had been allegations of harassment between council members and Chaney.

Councilman Kirk Miller interrupted Malott, reminding him the content of a resignation letter could not be discussed at a public forum.

?We can?t sit here and abuse our employees,? said Miller.

City Clerk Kasi Howard clarified that employee matters can be discussed in public, but the employee has to know about it prior and have the option to request the discussion be closed session.

With that, Malott kept his recommendation not to accept Chaney?s resignation.

Councilman Frank Staley made a recommendation to accept Chaney?s resignation. Dan Berner seconded the motion.

?I hate to see him go. I guess it doesn?t matter what I vote, he?s gone anyway,? Miller said. ?It?s not a good thing guys, not a good thing.?

Miller cast a ?yay? vote, leaving the vote 3-1 in favor of Chaney?s resignation.

The council also approved posting an ad for a police chief.

Malott said he thought the city should take a moment and consider an agreement for administrative services through the Henry County Sheriff?s Office.

?I think we have the opportunity to approach the county supervisors and request it. Then it would be discussed through the supervisors, Sheriff?s Office and Sheriff,? said Malott.

Miller disagreed with Malott, stating the county officers would not enforce city ordinances, like picking up stray dogs.

Malott commented that he didn?t feel that was being done by the prior administration.

?I don?t know what anybody has a problem with, I don?t understand this. You?re throwing a gentleman under a bus, for something that happened. There have been times I have listened to Greg (Thu) stir this,? said Berner. ?You?ve not documented anything that he?s (Cheney) done wrong, that is public opinion. That is not part of our thing.?

Placing an ad for another police chief was tabled due to a 2-2 vote. Miller and Berner had voted in favor of placing the ad, while Malott voted ?no? and Staley abstained from the vote.

As for filling the vacant council seat, Howard said the council has the ability to appoint someone. If the residents of New London don?t approve of the appointee they can call for a special election.

During the meeting, the council also discussed a no-burning ordinance.

?My major concern is we don?t burn leaves in the fall,? said Miller.

Staley said he didn?t want anything burnt that would smolder.

The council agreed yard waste like grass and leaves couldn?t be burned as well as no burning of paper or cardboard.

Wood waste like limbs and sticks could still be burned.

The council also talked about having a discontinuance, where the fire or police chief or designee could tell someone to put out their fire if it is causing a problem.

In other business, the council:

Approved the contract with Southeast Regional Planning Commission for assistance with nuisance abatement.

Approved the city sponsorship of the annual Easter egg hunt and a $100 donation.

Approved the purchasing of a loader tractor for the public works department.

Approved the purchase of a police patrol vehicle.

Approved placing an ad for a janitor for the community hall.

Approved Class C permit and Class B native wine permit with Sunday sales for Jet Stop.

Approved Class A liquor license with Sunday sales for the VFW Post 7641 pending dram shop insurance.

Approved Howard to attend the SEICCA meeting and IMFOA conference.

Approved changes to the fire department roster.

Approved zoning permits for Boecker Masonry, 106 S. Maple St., wood steps.

Approved Denny Bozarth and Mike Phillips to attend the AWWA conference.