By Terrie Schmidt-Crosby
The Record 

Jimerson sworn in Monday night

Odessa Town Council's first meeting of 2021

 

Last updated 1/20/2021 at 4:50pm

Terrie Schmidt-Crosby | The Record

Odessa Mayor Bill Crossley administers the oath of office to new Town Marshal, Les Jimerson, at Monday evening's Town Council meeting.

ODESSA – Les Jimerson, formerly the number-two man on Odessa's two-man police force, was sworn in as the newest Odessa Town Marshal by Mayor Bill Crossley at Monday night's town council meeting. Former chief Brent Dell resigned his post in December to take a job elsewhere. Jimerson joined the Odessa force in March of 2019.

The first 2021 meeting of the council on January 11 was once again via Zoom, and a full complement of council members was present: Vickie Iverson, Marlene Kramer, Kelly Watkins, Amy Hunt and Landon Lobe. Zoning inspector Bill Knerr and medical campus maintenance supervisor Abby Reyes were also present via Zoom. Mayor Bill Crossley, Clerk Meri Jane Bohn, Officer Les Jimerson and Odessa Record editor Terrie Schmidt-Crosby were present in the clerk's office.

No livestock allowed in town

Following approval of bills and payroll, council members addressed an issue raised by Odessa resident Margie Sgobba regarding having chickens within the Odessa town limits. Council members remembered their recent discussions of the issue, as well as the response by many townspeople that they were opposed to the presence of any livestock within the town. Zoning inspector Bill Knerr also referred them to #6.04.030 of the Odessa Municipal Code, which states that NO livestock is allowed within the town limits and lists everything from cattle, horses and goats on down to rabbits and fowl. Sgobba's request was denied.

Dogs/cats must be licensed

Still on the subject of animals, household pets (cats and dogs) are allowed but must be licensed by the town each January. The licenses are available at the town clerk's office. Chief Jimerson said he would permit a grace period this year until February 1 for residents to license their pets. After that citations will be issued following complaints of animals running loose in the town.

In other business

Councilman Kelly Watkins was selected by his fellow council members to be the mayor pro tempore for the next six months. Watkins also reported to the council on the relief funds disbursed throughout Lincoln County by the Economic Development Council.

There were no reports from the fire department or public works.

In the police report, Chief Jimerson reported that between Dec. 14, 2020 and Jan. 11, 2021 he handled 15 traffic stops (about half for speeding and half for equipment issues), one harassment report that went to the Lincoln County prosecutor, one no-contact order violation, two medical emergencies, three eviction disputes, five loose-dog citations and one animal-related criminal case pending, one referral to Child Protective Services and one theft.

Mayor Crossley reported that Steve Nelson of CenturyWest Engineering in Spokane will be in Odessa Jan. 14 for opening of the bids for the latest phase of the streets/water lines project.

Council member Marlene Kramer requested that she be appointed to the council's police committee. The mayor said he would consider her request.

Author Bio

Terrie Schmidt-Crosby, Editor

Terrie Schmidt-Crosby is an editor with Free Press Publishing. She is the former owner and current editor of the Odessa Record, based in Odessa, Wash.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Cheney Free Press
Ritzville Adams County Journal
Whitman County Gazette
Odessa Record
Franklin Connection
Davenport Times
Spokane Valley News Herald
Colfax Daily Bulletin

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024