A party to raise awareness about child abuse tested a policy change by McMinnville officials that requires two weeks notice on all measures under consideration before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Children’s Advocacy Center director Martha Pierce and Families in Crisis director Kristy Stubblefield came before the board asking for free use of McMinnville Civic Center on April 20 to offer a children’s festival during Child Abuse Awareness Month.
The two organizations, as well as Kids of the Community and Hamilton Street Activity Center, will be organizing the event to raise awareness about child abuse. Pierce says the event will be free of charge, so no money will be made to pay for the rental.
“This is not a fundraiser,” Pierce said. “This is a community effort to provide a day of fun for the children. We hope to seek sponsorship so there will be no charge for any of the activities.”
Alderman Billy Wood made the motion to allow free access to outdoor space and indoor space, in case of inclement weather.
“I can’t think of a better thing to do guys,” Wood said. “This is a no-brainer. They have asked for the Civic Center at no charge. Give it to them. I want to thank them for doing this for the children.”
In the past, officials have refrained from giving use of the Civic Center free of charge for events in fear of an avalanche of requests for the same consideration. Wood says he is willing to take the controversy the decision might bring.
“I know we are going to bend the policy, but I’ll take the heat for it,” Wood said. “Especially, for the kids.”
Another policy was on the mind of Alderman Mike Neal, that being the one that items not on the agenda will not be considered by the board until the next meeting in order to give adequate public notice.
“I don’t have any opposition to this other than it’s not on our docket tonight,” Neal said. “I want us to follow the rules we set up that we would stick to items on our docket. I don’t have any problems with doing this. Is it an emergency that it be done tonight?”
A letter from the organizations was included in the agenda packet that was sent to every board member last week. However, the request was not placed on the agenda.
Alderman Ken Smith tried to figure out a way to accept the request and keep with procedure.
“First of all, let me say I agree totally with what you are doing and will vote in favor of it,” Smith said to Pierce and Stubblefield. “I also agree with Mr. Neal in the fact we have set a manner in which we are going to be doing business. Mr. Wood, would you consider amending your motion to make it a preliminary approval pending final approval on Feb. 12?”
Stubblefield says a grant deadline is pending that requires a venue for the event prior to approval.
“I think our grant deadline is Feb. 29,” she said. “That’s with all corrections. No changes can be made past that point. Feb. 12 would be pushing it for us. It really would.”
Wood informed new board members that last-minute requests such as this one occasionally happen.
“I understand procedure and protocol,” Wood said. “I really do. There are going to be situations where you have to make a last-minute decision. I understand they will be against certain protocol, but everything doesn’t work out that way in the real world.”
Wood called for a vote. Mayor Jimmy Haley, Vice Mayor Ben Newman, and Aldermen Rick Barnes, Jimmy Bonner, Ken Smith and Wood voted in favor of allowing free access to the facility. Neal voted against it.