By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
The Ozark City Council unanimously approved several agenda items during its meeting Tuesday evening, including declaring several properties a public nuisance, a concession service agreement for the Civic Center, and two appointments, including the appointment of a new judge to preside over Ozark Municipal Court.
Following a public hearing during the 5 p.m. administrative meeting, the council voted unanimously to approve Ward’s appointment of former Ozark City Prosecutor LaDonna Spivey to serve as co-municipal judge for the City of Ozark.
When asked why Ward selected Spivey for this appointment, he said, “She has been in the community and in the justice system as a former prosecutor for years. We need someone on the bench who will practice the rule of law.”
When asked about how he thinks she will perform as a judge, Ward added, “I believe she will be fair and impartial in the performance of her duties while serving as our municipal judge.”
Spivey was appointed to serve as Co-Municipal Judge following the resignation of Nicky Bill. Now, Spivey joins Judge Fred Steagall as the two co-judges who will alternate and preside over cases before Ozark Municipal Court.
The council also voted unanimously to declare six properties as public nuisances. The properties include 198 Magnolia St., 1394 S. Union Ave., 199 Magnolia St., 616 Magnolia St., 676 Lakeview Rd., and 566 Newton Ave.
Council members also unanimously approved an exclusive concession service agreement with Rax Country LLC of Troy to provide concession services at the Ozark Civic Center.
In other business, the council unanimously approved Mayor Ward’s appointment of Sam Phillips to the Historic Preservation Commission Board.
After the meeting, we spoke with Mayor Ward about his choice for the board and asked him why he selected Phillips.
“He’s from the community and can bring his expertise to this board as we work to move Ozark forward. He’s a worthy person who I think will bring great things to the table as we continue to look at what that board’s are,” Mayor Ward said.
The Ozark City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5pm in the Council Chambers on the 2nd Floor of the Ozark Municipal Complex.
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