In honor of the person that has given the most to the development of the softball complex at the Susan Boone Vincent Sportsplex in Laurel, the Laurel City Council voted unanimously to accept the order from Mayor Johnny Magee to name the softball complex the Elvin Ulmer Eightplex.
“Unbelievable,” exclaimed Ulmer. “Usually, you don’t get something named after you until after you’re dead.”
Ulmer thanked everyone involved in making the project work, including former mayor Susan Vincent who was in attendance.
“I never thought this would be,” said Ulmer. “Mrs. Vincent, without your vision, we wouldn’t be here talking about this. I appreciate you.”
Addressing Mayor Magee, Ulmer said, “When you got elected, the first thing you said to me was let’s get this softball complex done. I was like, okay.”
According to the Mayor, the softball complex project started over 20 years ago.
Ulmer said there had been many ups and downs over the years, and his entire family can attest to a lot of hot conversations taking place in his home.
“Sometimes we want what we want when we want it,” said Ulmer. “A lot of times, the good Lord says to stand still. At that time, I didn’t understand what He was saying. But, I stood still. I’m speechless. I appreciate it.”
“On behalf of the council, I would like to say that we are extremely proud of all of the work that you do,” stated Tony Thaxton, council president. “It’s only a fitting honor that the city recognizes you with this naming.”
The Mayor’s order last line states, “It will from henceforth and forever be called the Elvin Ulmer Eightplex.”
In other business, the council approved the hiring of professionals to investigate the possibility of refunding the City’s debt, including but not limited to all or a portion of the City’s $10,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2015, dated December 10, 2015, the City’s $4,400,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2016, dated April 14, 2016, and all or a portion of the City’s Revolving Fund Loans.
Magee said with the interest rates at a historical low, the City could see a savings of approximately half a million dollars in interest.
According to the Mayor, the Pinecone Drop is back on for this year.
The City Council heard a complaint from Mrs. Luretha Bivins on her inability to get an explanation from the water department as to the reason for an increase in her water bill.
Local citizen, Anthony Hudson, expressed his desire for the City Council and the City Administration to consider addressing the need for police reform.
There being no need for an executive session, the meeting was adjourned.
The next Laurel City Council meeting will be held on November 3, at 5:30 p.m.