Perry City Council remembers former Mayor Lewis Meeks during Tuesday night’s council meeting

PERRY – Tuesday night’s Perry City Council meeting began differently with a tribute to former mayor Lewis Meeks, who passed away on Monday, July 7. 

Meeks served two terms from 1985 to 1988. According to his obituary, he was President of the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce in 1969. He also served as Chairman of the Perry Redevelopment Authority and the Downtown Development Authority. 

Mayor Randall Walker said his time in the DDA culminated with the change in the city’s downtown and Meeks was the momentum behind the change. Walker shared Meeks was one of the leaders who “brought Williamsburg to Perry.”

Meeks served his community by bringing about change and spreading love. 

The mayor, council, and the audience observed a moment of silence before proceeding with the meeting.

Municipal Solid Waste Collection and Commercial Dumpster Services

Later in the council meeting, mayor and council approved Ryland Environmental as the new solid waste collection and dumpster service in the city. 

Councilmember Robert Jones clarified with Director of Finance Mitchell Worthington that Ryland was not the lowest bidder. During the process of finding a new service, they received proposals from eight vendors. According to council documents, among the vendors, Ryland submitted the highest-scoring proposal. 

Public Works Superintendent Ansley White said that, although the cost is higher, Ryland is better equipped to address current issues with the existing provider. 

Jones and City Manager Lee Gilmour also clarified that, although it will result in a higher cost to the city, the additional expense will not be passed on to residents, consumers, or constituents in the form of a rate or millage increase. 

Councilmembers Dan Peterson and James Moody expressed their appreciation for the hard work put into finding a new service provider. Moody shared the city has heard complaints throughout the city about trash pickup and believes the new provider will be a benefit for residents.

Water Evaluation Proposal

Experiencing low water pressure? Engineering Services Manager Chad McMurrian spoke to mayor and council about a Southwest Perry Water Evaluation proposal, which could help residents in the area. The proposal was approved unanimously by mayor and council.

McMurrian said the South Perry Parkway area experiences low water pressure and low flows due to extensive development in the area. The city’s engineering department recognized the issue and reached out to GWES for assistance in improving the water pressure. 

According to McMurrian, the proposal will be approximately $25,900 for professional services. 

Councilmember Dan Peterson asked McMurrian if the low water pressure would be an ongoing issue, given the city’s growth. 

McMurrian said they have recognized and addressed the issue by supplementing the city’s water pressure with that of the county. This will be able to service 400 housing units with no water pressure issues, and will give the city time to prepare for future growth.

New Community Development Director

Towards the end of the meeting, a new face was seen in the council chambers. Joe Duffy will now serve as the city’s Community Development Director, replacing Bryan Wood. Duffy introduced himself to the public and expressed his excitement about helping grow a healthy city. 

To learn more about Duffy, read our feature here.

Bryan Wood also attended his last meeting and made a few parting comments. He thanked the mayor and council for allowing him to serve as their Community Development Director.

“There have been challenges and there have been great opportunities and I’ve enjoyed most of them. I really have enjoyed my time here and enjoyed working with all of you and working with the public as well. I wish Mr. Duffy great success,” he said.

Walker also thanked Wood for his service to the city. 

Hafley Park Farmers Market

Going back to earlier in the council meeting, Oldfield Baptist Church requested to use Hafley Park for a community farmers market. This was approved by mayor and council.

The pastor of the church mentioned that the church had organized a market the previous year. He said they wanted to continue their endeavor in the community and provide a place where people can purchase goods at a walking distance. 

The pastor said the market is something the church wants to give to the community, along with respect and pride. They want people to feel good when they walk around the Oldfield area. 

The farmers market will be a bi-weekly event from July 26 to September 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mayor and council will have their pre-council starting at 5 p.m. and regular council meeting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5. Everyone is invited to attend these meetings, and the agenda can be found here.