ELLISVILLE – The Ellisville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve an event encouraging the cessation of violence while recognizing the life of a young Ellisville girl who was a victim of a violent act.
Officials said the event set to be held this week is being held in memory of Shealbie Ruffin, one of Ellisville’s residents who recently died from a shooting incident in Covington County.
The council voted to approve the candlelight vigil in memory of Ruffin. The vigil is scheduled for Friday, January 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
City officials said vigil organizers have asked Ellisville Mayor Lynn Buckhaults and Police Chief Bruce Russell to be among the speakers for the event.
“They want to address violence in general,” the police chief said. “It will be a good thing. I think it will be beneficial to all.”
Alderman Aaron Heidelberg commended the Ellisville Police Department for their work on keeping violence down in the city of Ellisville.
“I thank Chief Russell and the police department for keeping the violence down,” he said.
Chief Russell said his staff has worked hard to keep the city safe. However, he said, there’s always something out there.
“Although two Ellisville children have recently been tragically lost, it didn’t happen here,” the police chief said. “However, we know that violence is right here. The guys (in the police department) have done a good job to keep pressure on those with potential to cause violence.”
The mayor also commended the police department for its work.
He also encouraged all city officials and residents who could to come out to the event and show support against violence.
Also Tuesday, Mayor Buckhaults and the Board of Aldermen handled several other items during its meeting.
As a part of the public hearing portion of the meeting, city officials conducted a hearing regarding litter and cleanup of debris at Dubose Street Apartments on Dubose Street in the city limits.
Chief Russell said this is a matter that has been ongoing for years. He has spoken to residents and management there about the need to have a proper place to dispose of debris and large furniture items.
The board voted to direct the city attorney to send a letter to the property owner concerning the matter.
In a separate matter, the board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Cindy Visser as the zoning secretary effective January 22. The board then approved the appointing of Emerald Wuertz, a city deputy clerk, as the zoning secretary.
The board also unanimously agreed to approve Lillian Putnam’s appointment to the Laurel-Jones County Library Board for a four-year term ending December 31, 2024.
Buckhaults said Putnam was appointed to the board earlier to fill an unexpired term. Now it’s time for the official appointment of a person to fill the position for a full term.
The board then approved a resolution and final order for ad valorem exemptions for 2019 for Howard Substation and Howard Computers.
Mayor Buckhaults said it has taken some time for the state to send the paperwork, but everything has not been approved.
He also told the board that the exemptions would be done under the city’s new guidelines for granting exemptions to corporations in the city limits.