The Laurel City Council earlier this month approved the re-appointment of two people to city boards and handled several property matters.
The council unanimously approved the re-appointment of two members to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.
According to city documents, the terms of two members of the Historic Preservation Commission for the City of Laurel At-Large Representative Josh Nowell and Ward 5 Representative Bill Holloway expired on July 18, 2020.
“Mr. Josh Nowell and Mr. Bill Holloway have each served faithfully and well in that capacity during their past tenure and have each expressed their willingness to serve for another six-year term,” Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee wrote in his recommendation to the city council for their reappointment.
City officials thanked them for their time and dedication and offered their approval for continued service.
Therefore, with the city board’s approval, the re-appointments by Mayor Johnny Magee of Josh Nowell as the At-Large Representative on the Historic Preservation Commission and of Bill Holloway as the Ward 5 Representative on the Historic Preservation Commission were confirmed by the Laurel City Council with said terms commencing immediately and expiring on July 18, 2026.
In other business, the council took no action on an order requiring a mandatory screening on incidents involving the use of lethal force in the Laurel Police Department.
One council person suggested that the matter be referred to the council’s public safety committee.
However, no one seconded the motion and the matter failed for the lack of action.
In a separate matter, the council adopted an order authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement on behalf of the city for maintenance services for city generators.
Also, the council adopted an order authorizing the purchase of some equipment for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Mayor Magee said the recent changes in personnel positions and equipment for the Parks and Recreation Department in a way to improve “efficiency in the operations of the city.”
The council also handled several zoning matters.
The council adopted an order granting a one-year special exception to M.D. Outdoor LLC to allow a hair salon/spa to be in operation at 1104 West 1 st Street. The property is zoned C-1a, which does not allow for that use. The property is located in Ward Six.
In a separate matter, the council granted a variance to the Laurel Housing Authority to allow the entity to mount a sign in excess of eight feet, which is the maximum height for a ground-mounted sign.
Also, the council adopted the first reading of an ordinance granting a zoning change to West Laurel Baptist Church from R-3 to C-2 on the property known as the vacant lot in the 1300 block of the SE corner N. 14th Avenue and West 5th Street.