Last week, the Tullos Town Council received two new members, each of whom were sworn in prior to the start of the meeting. Due to the recent resignations of Aldermen Heather Berryman and Ronald “Charlie” Brown, the Governor appointed Amanda Welch and Linda Williams to fill those positions. “Since we were unable to have a meeting before the final date of the 20 day period to appoint replacements, the Governor did appoint Ms. Amanda Welch as Alderman and Ms. Linda Williams as Alderman,” Mayor Karla Cockerham said, “and Clerk of Court Mr. Steve Andrews has sworn them in prior to tonight’s meeting.”

Mayor Cockerham then updated the Council that Martha Jinks, an involved member of Tullos, had expressed interest in the remaining vacant Council seat, which became open due to resignation of Alderman Carmon Cook.

Tina Murphrey- Tullos had nothing but positive things to say about Jinks.

“I am for Marty. She comes to all of our festivals and helps out,” Murphrey-Tullos stated. “She is one of the few people who is helpful to the elderly in our town. That’s what being a good citizen is about, so I fully support that.”

Mayor Cockerham agreed, saying that Jinks has always been supportive of events like Trunk-or-Treat and Christmas in the Park.

Martha “Marty” Jinks was then appointed to the Tullos Town Council and was immediately sworn in by Clerk of Court Steve Andrews so that she could take her position for the remainder of the meeting.

The Council also appointed Alderman Floyd Temple, Jr. as Mayor Pro Temp, taking the place of former Mayor Pro Temp Heather Berryman.

“The Mayor Pro Temp steps in if I become sick or out of town and I can’t come to a meeting,” Mayor Cockerham explained. “They will take my place to lead meetings in my absence and make decisions for the town in between monthly meetings.”

Mayor Cockerham recommended Temple, expressing her gratitude for his membership on the Council and her trust in him to the Mayor Pro Temp position.

“I respect you a lot, Mr. Temple. I know you will have the best in mind for the town,” Cockerham stated. “I know that you will make decisions for the best of Tullos.”

Murphrey-Tullos agreed with Mayor Cockerham’s words and made the motion to appoint Temple.

Following the appointment of the new positions, the Council approved to add Temple and Assistant Clerk Kaci Davis to all Tullos bank accounts.

Also during the meeting, the Council approved of Ordinance 2023-007, which addresses the requirements for mobile homes.

In the September meeting, Alderman Tina Murphrey-Tullos asked the Council to consider an amendment to the current ordinance, which has a minimum square footage requirement for mobile home. A public hearing was held on October 2 and there were no public comments made.

Mayor Cockerham did take the time to clarify that Ordinance 2023-007 only applies to mobile homes, as there are other codes and ordinances for tiny homes, cabins, RV’s and other housing options. The only thing that changes with the amendment is the removal of a minimum square footage requirement. The mobile homes must still meet the building inspector’s requirements which is that the home have a VIN number and meet HUD requirements.

The Council also approved to authorize the Mayor to apply for the Fire House Sub grant, which comes open every quarter. Mayor Cockerham updated the Council that she will be working with local grant writer Morgan Tarpley Smith and hopes to use the grant money toward more fire gear, needed due to an increase in members.

The Council also approved of several department reports, beginning with the Police Jury report. Police Juror Tim Lasiter updated the Council of a few projects in the works to start in the month of December.

“I have contracted a company out to do some road, driveway trimming here in Tullos, to trim on the roads where the limbs overhang,” he said. “That will most likely start in December.”

Lasiter also reported that he has arranged for the road superintendent and job manager to come in December and assess certain streets in Tullos, so they can begin making repairs in the coming year.

During the water and wastewater report, Caleb Black provided several updates on parts that will soon be repaired or replaced.

“Last month, the water system well pumped an average of 105,000 gallons per day but fixing that gate valve did take that down some,” Black explained. “There are two gate valves on the ground storage tank, but there is a suction gate valve that will either need to be replaced or capped off until a replacement can be installed.”

Black also spoke to the Council about the generator at the plant, which was reported making a loud noise following a power outage.

“The generator will still turn on and run but due to a piece not exhausting correctly, it looks like it will be best to replace the whole motor,” Black said. “I will get some more details on that soon.”

Black also told the Council that they are still aware of the leak at the pressure regulator at the Tullos ground storage tank and a new one has been ordered.

“It shouldn’t be too much longer,” Black stated. “They can’t give us a timeframe right now, but it is ordered.”

According to Police Chief Scott Cockerham, for the month of September, a total of $27,335.51 was collected and 126 citations written, and the department received four complaints, one public assist and made one arrest.

The Council also approved of the hiring of a new part-time police officer, Christopher Woodward, who already works for LPSO.

In place of the fire department report, Mayor Karla Cockerham thanked the department for their work in several recent fundraisers like the boot drive and the boiled shrimp plate fundraiser at the Downtown Homecoming Celebration in Olla, both conducted in the last month.

“I want to thank the members of the Tullos Volunteer Fire Department for many hours of volunteer work,” Mayor Cockerham stated. “I am also aware they will be doing a fundraiser, selling food and drinks at the Tullos Christmas in the Park on December 9.”

During the Mayor’s Comments, Mayor Cockerham addressed a concern she has received about water and sewer flat rate charges on homes that do not have permanent residents.

“If a customer has water service available, the home must also have wastewater services. There is a flat rate fee for water and wastewater services,” Mayor Cockerham explained. “As long as the account stays open, they will be charged the flat rate, regardless of whether the service is being used. Customers do have the option to disconnect services to avoid the flat rate but will need to again open an account when they want the services again.”

This will mean that if a customer wants to avoid all flat rate charges, they will have to cancel their account, making it inactive. To have an active account, customers will have to open a new account by filling out an application and paying the required deposit.