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Regular Council Meeting March 9, 2015 Page 2 people do not have to agree with each other all the time. She also said everyone has a right to their opinion with which way this publically funded organization should go. Mrs. Lancaster said public input was needed and should be desired. She said a public forum was needed for this and all other City committees and that true transparency was needed, instead of circumventing the process or hiding the facts. Mrs. Lancaster asked the Council to create an opportunity for every committee or board. She asked for the same transparency from local media. She also said news media was a precious thing and that most of the world does not enjoy freedom of the press. Mrs. Lancaster said the media should not be threatened with a loss of business in order to control the narrative and said she was sorry to report that not only did that happen, but the very sanctity of the church was invaded to achieve a political gain. She said they believed in government and their way of life, and these principals were being threatened with selfish manipulation. Mrs. Lancaster said the city was suffering, the city's growth was being threatened, and the city's resources were being used by a few for their gain. She asked that all Paris citizens get involved and bring the city back on track. b. Recognition of the Paris Police Department for designation of Storm Ready by the National Weather Service. Chief Hundley and Assistant Chief Tuttle explained that the police department was recognized by the National Weather Service as a Storm Ready Community. Assistant Chief Tuttle told the Council this meant Paris was better prepared when severe weather strikes. Consent Agenda Mayor Frierson inquired of Council Members if they wished to pull any items from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Council Member Hashmi asked that items 10 and 11 be pulled for discussion. Council Member Pickle asked that item 6 be pulled for discussion. Council Member Pickle inquired about council liaisons for the Historic Preservation Commission and the Traffic Commission. Mayor Frierson said he was the liaison for HPC and Council Member Jenkins said he was the liaison for the Traffic Commission. Council Member Pickle encouraged Council Members to attend the meetings. With regard to item 10, Council Member Hashmi said he thought the Pounders Firm had done a great job, but favored a two year extension as opposed to a five year extension of the contract. A Motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Council Member Pickle and Council Member Hashmi asked if they could consider item 11 separately. Council Member Pickle amended his Motion to approve the consent agenda with the change of a two year contract for Mr. Pounders and to exclude item 11. The Motion was seconded by Council Member Hashmi. Motion carried, 7 ayes — 0 nays. 5. Approve the minutes from the City Council meeting on February 25, 2015.