By Bradly Gill
News Editor
The Camden City Council officially adopted a resolution supporting the state’s newly passed class protection legislation at Tuesday night’s city council meeting after the resolution was tabled at last months meeting.
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Act 681 was signed into law last month and “Classifications such as race, sexuality, sex and gender identity were not mentioned in SB622, which will instead allow prosecutors to seek longer prison terms for violent criminals who target anyone in a ‘recognizable and identifiable group.’”
Alderman Joe Askew asked to reintroduce the resolution, and council members voted to do so with a 6-1 vote, with councilman Chris Aregood voting no. Aregood later explained since that the class protection law had already been passed, any action supporting it would be purely symbolic.
Alderman L.E. Lindsey once again brought up his issue with language in the resolution, which including the phrase “perceived or imagined.”
The resolution states that it is “expressing support for the passage of legislation imposing enhanced sentencing for convictions of misdemeanors and felonies associated with crimes committed against victims with actual or perceived characteristics (Hate Crime) and for other purposes.”
Alderman Marvin Moore said his constituents supported the resolution and that he had been asked when it would be brought up again.
Alderman Cecil McDonald said that he would abstain from voting, as he had missed the last meeting and did not know enough about the resolution to make an informed vote.
The final vote was 5-1, with Aregood and McDonald abstaining with Lindsey being the dissenting vote
After the Council meeting, Camden Mayor Julian Lott posted on Facebook, “Thank you Camden for taking a stand for what is right, protecting every citizen because MY life matters, at least my granddaughter has me convinced it does. We voted 5-1-2 to support the Hate Crimes legislation in our great State. You’re the best.”
In other business:
1.Resolution No. 25-21, a resolution confirming the re-appointment of Ricky Parham Civil Service Commission passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 26-21, a resolution awarding the bid for the purchase of one 2021 Ford Ranger Supercab Pickup for the Code Enforcement Department passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 27-21, a resolution amending the budget for 2021; and for other purposes was tabled. The resolution was introduced to pay for a position at the Camden Municipal Airport for $40,000 a year. The position would mow the grass at Harrell Field, maintain the terminal and provide fueling for jets that visit the airport.
The council tabled the resolution until airport officials could come before the board and explain how the position would be funded.
Resolution No. 28-21, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a CARES Act Grant Application for the Camden Airport passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 29-21, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a utility easement to Camden Water Utility passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 30-21, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for 2021 with Camden Downtown Network (Main Street Program) passed unanimously
Resolution No. 31-21, a resolution appointing Alderman Cecil McDonald to the Advertising and Promotion Commission passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 32-21, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to pay incentive bonus to Public Work Employees was tabled when Askew asked if the amount of $25 for the 20 employees who worked during the storms earlier in the year could be raised to $100. City Clerk Donna Stewart asked if she could talk the resolution over with an auditor, as the original amount of $500 woulnd’t present a problem but a sum of $2,000 would bring scrutiny.
Resolution No. 33-21, a resolution appointing Alderman William McCoy to the Advertising & Promotion Commission passed unanimously.