Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

"Suspension Of Rules" Discussed By Clark County JPs

Discouraging words were heard at the Clark County Quorum Court's meeting on March 14. The high tension level between JP Juanita Dot' Curry and JP Bill Conine was an unusual occurrence.

JP Curry has sponsored an ordinance, Amending Ordinance No. 98-14, an ordinance establishing rules of procedures for preparing the agenda for regular quorum court meetings.' In the explanation for the ordinance, provided in the court members packets, abuse of "suspension of the rule" is used. The issue is the last minute pop-up' discussions and motions voted on involving personnel and salaries with spokes persons which court members are not given enough time to research fully.

JP Curry stated, "You don't bring a motion before all members of the court unless we have had the chance to review . . . I think the operation of last month's meeting was illegal and inappropriate."

Apparently, JP Curry had received a legal opinion concerning motions passed at last month's meeting in which Municipal Judge Randy Hill requested in succession an audience with the court, a new position for his office of Chief Deputy Clerk' and $1,500 in funds.

JP Conine commented, "We didn't do anything . . . if you received a legal opinion, you should have shared it with all of us."

"Since the paper hit the street, my phone has been ringing off the hook," rebutted JP Curry, "I have never tried to hide anything."

The banter became confusing. JP Larry Thomerson tried to forward the discussion away from the animosity by reminding Judge Floyd Buddy' Manning the ordinance would require other readings before the court could vote on it. Judge Manning agreed, the ordinance was read.

JP Bill Kirksey spoke out at this point and recommended the ordinance be looked into by the courts attorney, Taylor King.

JP Curry, referring to the previous failed ordinance which JP Kirksey sponsored, commented "Mr. Kirksey, You're not the only one who can find out something."

The JP's eventually let the issue rest for the night and continued.

Previously, the court had passed the appropriation ordinance for additions and deletions to the Clark County Budget for 2000. In the ordinance was the additional funding for the municipal deputy chief clerks position.

There was little discussion of the efforts of Mayor Rick Smith to have tax monies currently being received by the county returned to the cities. JP Thomerson and Judge Manning commented each had been contacted once and heard nothing more since.

In the judge's report, Judge Manning stated the tile patterns for the front and back steps of the courthouse will be reproduced. The tile wording will be changed to mark the renovation work dates.

The temporary buildings used in the interim by the county are gone for the most part with a deadline for the purchasers to remove the remaining structures. The parking lot will however be relined with extra spaces for thirty minute parking to accommodate tax payers needs.

The bridge in Curtis is nearing completion. Judge Manning reported construction is preceding well.

Manning also commented on the touching nature and success of the rededication ceremonies held recently for the Veterans Memorial Wall.

Details from construction committee chair, JP John Howard involved problems with an ice machine, carpet for the south ramp of the sheriff's department and some final calculations from the contractor over pay.

Some unscheduled discussion towards the end of the meeting concerned the pay rates in the road crew department. Determining in moments how an unusual pay situation occurred, the JP's took no action on the subject and adjourned.