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06-20-1977 - Regular ~ \J o //> Lc It- -p-e r;tCfflO( . CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDGEWATER REGULAR MEETING HELD June 20, 1977 Vice Mayor Dietz called order to the Council meeting of the City Council of the City of Edgewater, Florida, Monday, June 20, 1977 at 7:30 P.M. He stated that due to the circumstances tonight the meeting will not be held, however he is going to call the roll for an important announcement. ROLL CALL: Mayor Dana T. Armstrong Councilwoman Ryta F. Webber Councilman Henry C. Riggs Councilman Walter B. Sikes Councilman Calvin R. Dietz City Attorney Judson Woods City Clerk Sue Blackwell Deputy City Clerk Elizabeth Crouser Police Chief Earl Baugh Aes.eRt Excused Present Present Excused Present Present Excused Present Excused during the meeting Vice Mayor Dietz asked the Deputy Clerk to read the letter from Mr. Riggs. The Deputy Clerk read a resignation of Councilman Riggs, stating that it is impossible for him to work for the County and hold a public office, therefore he is resigning from his Council seat. Vice Mayor Dietz stated that the Council can not legally accept this resigna- tion because of the lack of a quorum, but in fairness to him he would like Mr. Woods to read the charges in this matter so that if he ever decides to run for Council again, the public will know what happened. Attorney Woods began reading a letter to Thomas C. Kelly from Warren O. Tiller, County Attorney, the subject being Complaint of Dana Armstrong concerning Henry Riggs. It was explained that Mr. Armstrong was not allowed to continue working for the County when he ran for political office and he wonders why Mr. Riggs is permitted to continue to work for the County and hold office under similar circumstances. It was explained that the County Charter rules state that one can not be employed by the County and hold a political office, therefore it would appear that the proper course of action should be taken. Attorney Woods read another memo from William K. Howell, Jr., Assistant County Attorney to Warren O. Tiller, County Attorney, the subject being Complaint against Henry C. Riggs, Deputy Sheriff. It explained that the above complaint was received that the deputy mentioned is a City Commissioner in Edgewater and should be terminated. It quoted sections from the County Charter in regard to the employment policy, which does state that an employee of the County can not hold a political office. It was suggested that this should be investigated to determine whether this deputy is actually servin~ as a City Corr~issioner, if he is he should be given the opportunity to resign his political office or be terminated persuant to Merit Rule 2.06. Vice Mayor Dietz asked Mr. Ri9gs if he has anything to say. . ~ . o u Councilman Riggs stated that he is sorry that he has to make the decision that he has to make. He felt that he could do something for Edgewater, and he wants to show his appreciation to the people who supported him. He stated that he will be glad to help the City in any way he can. Vice Mayor Dietz stated that it has been a pleasure to work with Mr. Riggs. He thinks that he was doing a good job and just getting his feet on the ground and he is sorry to see this have to happen. Councilwoman Webber stated that she deeply regrets Mr. Riggs having to leave us, she asked that the audience give Mr. Riggs a standing ovation for the work that he has done for us. There was an ovation. Vice Mayor Dietz explained that there will be no meeting tonight, he knows a lot of people are here because of the water situation. We do have a problem, it is unfortunate. It was anticipated back in 1973, there were plans drawn up and it fell through, this is water over the dam and we can't do anything about it. We are now in the process of trying to make a correction and we are working on it. He asked the newspaper to please put in the papers the restric- tion of watering lawns and washing automobiles and non essential use of water is to be prohibited in the City of Edgewater, until the new well is -installed and we get ample water to supply. He explained the particules found in the water are caused because we are pumping into empty tanks, and the rust from the bottom of the tanks is going out into the lines. He explained that the water will .not hurt any one it is still being chlorinated. The water is pure, but it has dirt in it, we are working on a correction. A message was sent to the meeting at 7:17 from the Police Department. It explained that the mayor is on medication and will not be at the meeting. Vice Mayor Dietz explained that there will be a regular meeting next Monday night. Mayor ATTEST: Councilwoman City Clerk Councilman Approved this day of Councilman June, 1977 Councilman Mayor -2-