by Darlene J. Taylor

STAFF WRITER

CLARKSBURG -- In a less-than-eventful session Thursday evening, Clarksburg City Council set the stage for new faces on Council who will take office July 1.

While Mayor Terry Greaver remains on Council for at least two more years, he led the residents attending to believe he would not be seated as mayor at the next meeting.

Council members will elect a mayor and vice mayor at their next meeting on July 3.

"I've had a good time, and we've accomplished many feats," Greaver said. He pointed to "saving the DHHR building" as one of his most proud accomplishments.

He commended all the council members for their assistance and ended by saying, "I might be back."

Two members who won't be on Council after July 1 are veteran leaders Tom Flynn and David Kates. Both lost in this month's election.

Flynn spoke of the council's accomplishments during his many years of service to the city. He noted his role in the beginning of the development of Eastpointe.

Kates spoke of his tenure as the city's first black mayor. He requested that upon his death, his viewing be held for two days in the vestibule of city hall.

"I am the first African-American in city government in the history of Clarksburg and the first black mayor," said Kates. "I respectfully request this from the mayor and Council."

One of the final resolutions passed by the current City Council was the placement of a Dale Knight Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Knight was a member of the Clarksburg Board of Park Commissioners for more than 27 years. After Councilwoman Margaret Bailey's bid to table the motion failed, she cast the lone dissenting vote.

However, Bailey later changed her vote.

Vice Mayor Zeke Lopez and Councilmen Patsy Trecost and Jim Hunt were absent.

Meanwhile, Council unanimously approved waiving competitive bidding on a mobile speed alert monitor trailer for use on Emily Drive. The $8,000 purchase will now be made for city police.

The "speed trailer" will include a statistical computer package and printout, unlike the one the city currently uses. This information will be downloaded daily to the city police computer system, Chief John Walker said.

Staff writer Darlene J. Taylor can be reached at 626-1403 or by e-mail at dtaylor@exponent-telegram.com.