TOWN OF PLYMOUTH EMERGENCY MEETING MINUTES JULY 12, 2024 -VIA COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND ZOOM  10:00 a.m.  CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Brian Roth Mayor Roth called the meeting to order. PRESENT ABSENT  COUNCILMEMBER  X X X X X  Mayor Roth Mayor Pro-Tempore Tharps Councilwoman Byers Councilwoman Davis Councilwoman Nixon Councilwoman Teel Councilman Wobbleton  X  X  II.  CONSIDERATION OF CONFIRMATION OF THE FIRE CHIEF OF PLYMOUTH Mayor Roth turned the issue over to the Council to see what their pleasure is. Councilwoman Nixon asked if there was someone present to present the Chief. Councilwoman Davis asked if there was someone present with a letter. Councilwoman Teel stated that according to the ordinance, the letter must be presented first and not the presentation of the Chief. She then read the ordinance and passed out copies. A discussion began about identifying the Assistant Chief, who is supposed to cover for the Chief until he is confirmed. Councilwoman Teel also stated that although its been done differently in the past, Council will do what is necessary according to the law that has been written, until it has been changed. Councilwoman Teel then asked for a letter of nomination. Mayor Roth asked Mr. Josh Swain to come to the podium. Mr. Swain stated that he had a copy of the minutes from the meeting that took place for elections and presented it to the Council. Counciwoman Davis asked until the Chief is confirmed, who is the Assistant Chief that will take Mr. Swain's place until he is confirmed. The second Assistant Chief Bradley Sawyer spoke and reported that the first Assistant Chief is on vacation. He stated that he is stepping up now. Councilwoman Davis stated that this is nothing personal according to the Fire Department and that this has more to do with the law. She further stated that this will take place across the board. Mayor Roth read a section of the minutes that pertained to the election. Mr. McNair asked when was the last time a letter was submitted for the Chief to be in position. Mayor Roth stated that he would need  VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR 2024 - 2025  July 12, 2024 Town of Plymouth Emergency Meeting Minutes  Page 1    to speak with Town Manager Floyd to research the question. Mr. McNair Mayor Roth stated that the minutes can be entered into the Town's records, and iti is up to the Council to go from there. Counciwoman Davis stated that we have minutes, but we do not have a letter. Counciwoman Nixon suggested that the minutes can proceed the letter and then we can receive the letter. She also stated that from now on this will be the process sO that it will be easier for next year. Mayor Roth asked Captain Jeff Arnold to come forward to introduce and present the new Chief. Mayor Roth asked the Council if they wanted the document to be a letter. The Council agreed. Mayor Roth suggested taking a short recess sO that Town Clerk Wallace could type up a simple letter for the Fire Department. Captain Arnold then reported that he had a letter on the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department letterhead asking that Josh Swain be confirmed by the Council. The Council was satisfied with that letter, in that that is what they Counciwoman Nixon asked the attendees if there were any questions as to what to do concerning the process for next year's election. There were some questions and comments from the attendees to the Council. Mayor Roth asked that there be no back and forth between the Council and attendees, which was Counciwoman Byers asked if any Firefighter felt any duress during the election because it was stated that there was not enough diversity. She asked that we pull together and work together. Councilwoman Byers also thanked the Fire Department for the service they give. One of the attendees stated that the Council owes Josh Swain and the Volunteer Fire Department an apology. Counciwoman Davis stated that the issue at hand is not that the Council does not appreciate the Fire Department. She further stated that her issue is that the law be followed. Mayor Roth apologized. Counciwoman Byers made a motion to confirm Josh Swain as the Fire Chief as voted in by the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department for the Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 with a second by Counciwoman Nixon. Counciwoman Nixon apologized for herself as this could have been handled better than it was. Councilwoman Teel stated that she does not see where an apology is needed as the Council is just trying to follow the law. She further stated that if the Fire Department had followed the ordinance, it would not have come to this point. She understands that it is a learning experience. Counciwoman Byers apologized as well. The motion passed  answered that it was 14 years ago.  were asking for.  beginning to happen.  unanimously. III. ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business, Councilwoman Teel made a motion to adjourn the meeting with a second by Councilwoman Nixon. The motion passed  unanimously.  July 12, 2024 Town of Plymouth Emergency Meeting Minutes  Page 2    Respectfully submitted,  E Brian A. Roth Mayor  wpla Dorenda Wallace Clerk  Ar  July 12, 2024 Town of Plymouth Emergency Meeting Minutes  Page 3