Manderson mayor pro-tem discussed at length

The Manderson regular town council meeting was held Feb. 13 at town hall. In attendance were Mayor Rod Patrick, Clerk Michelle Freitas and council members Sharon Sanford, Thea Saunders, Julie Williams and Tim Patrick. 

Mayor Patrick asked that “appointments” be added to the agenda. 

The mayor said he had two appointments to make: Tim Patrick as the mayor pro-tem and Dennis and Troy Chambers to the water board. 

Saunders told the mayor she has a concern with Tim Patrick being pro-tem. 

“That position is not actually an appointed position. As per state legislation and our ordinances, mayor pro-tem is actually chosen by the council at the meeting that the mayor will not be there. It is not a standing position. It is one that is chosen at the meeting that the mayor is not at. That is state and that’s our ordinances. It is technically not your job.” 

Mayor Patrick replied, “Technically it is my job, state statutes. It has always been that way. The mayor has always appointed mayor pro-tem.” 

Saunders countered that just because that is the way it has been done doesn’t mean that is not how it is supposed to be done.” She continued that she has the ordinance’s numbers if anyone would like them. 

The mayor asked for a number. He was told 1-5-3F. He added he was going ahead with appointing Tim as the mayor pro-tem and would look into the issue. It would be discussed at the next council meeting. “If I’m wrong, we will change it. But for now, it is going to stand,” he said. 

Councilman Patrick addressed the public and council. “There are three different sets of ordinances in the state of Wyoming for different types of municipalities.” Those are administrative, mayor/council and “like Laramie.”  He added that in Laramie the council appoints their mayor. “So, you know we’ve had this issue before.   You could be very right Thea. I think we need to look into it to make sure that we are looking at the right ordinances.” 

Saunders replied that she thinks the one that is in the town ordinances is the one that is most relevant because at one point that is what the town decided to do. 

Mayor Patrick stated that for now his appointment would stand. “If we have a special meeting or something comes up…and another thing, if you want to appoint them at the meeting if the mayor’s not here, whatcha going to do if there is a big water leak out here and I’m not here? Who is going to take care of it? You’ve gotta have someone with authority to call people in to do it. If we are going to appoint them at every meeting, then we are going to have to figure out something different on emergencies.” 

 Saunders agreed that would make sense if the mayor was going to be gone for an extended time frame. 

The mayor asked audience member and former councilwoman Aleta Driver how the town did the pro-tem appointment in the past. She said she had never looked at the ordinance. She added “And we didn’t appoint family members to the mayor as a pro-tem either, though” 

Councilman Patrick said, “If they were appointed but I was elected. So, I’m an elected official.” 

Driver acknowledged that he was elected, then added that the mayor didn’t appoint a family member as a pro-tem.”

The councilman asked if previous mayor Dennis Chambers appointed his son, councilman Troy Chambers, to pro-tem. Driver said no.  She was appointed as pro-tem, not Troy. 

Councilman Patrick responded that both he and Rod are elected. Driver again acknowledged this and added there are other councilmembers that are not family that could be pro-tem. 

“Well then let’s go ahead and pick one tonight. We’ve got water leaks and everything else and I’m not helping. You guys take care of it.” 

The mayor said he makes a motion to appoint Saunders as pro-tem. He added, “You’ll be responsible for water leaks and everything else when I’m not here.” 

Saunders replied that they were going to check the ordinance to make sure it is correct for the next meeting “So this is standing ... ” Councilman Patrick again stated, “No, let’s do it tonight.” 

Saunders again explained how the ordinance reads.  “As I said it is when the meeting comes up, they have no mayor. If there is a water leak and the mayor is not able to help with it. Then there should be a chain of contact. It is not just one person. It is supposed to be a team effort.” 

Councilman Patrick said that for years it has fallen on Rod & himself. Saunders stated she is willing to be on the chain. 

Mayor Patrick moved on to the next agenda item.