Two Daphne City Council members rejected a request from Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood made at the Feb. 20 council meeting to suspend the rules and add an ordinance for first read to the council’s agenda.
City Council Chairman Pat Rudicell and Vice Chairman Robin LeJeune both voted no to allow the rule suspension, which caused the motion to fail due to lack of a unanimous vote.
Haygood’s ordinance sought to combine two city positions, the convention and visitors bureau director and the parks and recreation director. Current CVB Director Margaret Thigpen has accepted a new job position in Dalton, Ga., and current Parks and Recreation Director David McKelroy has intended to retire later this year.
LeJeune said he wanted to take more time to study the proposed changes before moving the ordinance forward onto the council’s agenda.
“There’s nothing wrong with taking time to study this proposal and make sure it’s the best decision for the City of Daphne,” LeJeune said. “I think the council needs to see the job description for this possible new position and make sure it’s what the city needs it to be.”
Haygood said the change in positions would allow the city to create better synergy in those areas and added he was disappointed at the outcome of the vote.
