Despite knowing Newton Federal Bank was no longer willing to give the money to build a gazebo on the Square, Covington Mayor Ronnie Johnston left the topic on Monday night’s agenda.
“I’m deeply saddened to report Newton Federal Bank has decided not to give the money for the gazebo project,” Johnston said. “I’ve been told Mr. [Chris] Smith approached members of the [bank’s] board of directors,” Johnston said.
Smith, who was opposed to the project when it first came up two years ago, said he researched the history of the project and shared that information with the bank board. When the project first came to the council, three other council members had agreed with him and voted against the construction of the gazebo.
Revamping the Square
In April 2014, a proposal to revamp the downtown historic Square after Newton County gave control over its operation and upkeep to the city. A key component of the project was the installation of a 24-foot-wide Southern gothic style gazebo in the square’s southeast quadrant, where concerts are frequently held.
The proposal was controversial, and the council appointed a citizen’s committee, with representation from residents and business owners, to review the plans and make recommendations. In April, the committee reported back, urging the council to move forward with the plans.
Price estimates for the gazebo were $55,000 [see “Gazebo on square could cost $55K”], and the amount derailed the project. City Council members Smith, Hawnethia Williams, Post 2 West, Ocie Franklin, Post 3 East and then council member Keith Dalton, Post 3 East, voted against it.
In early May, the council voted to move forward with the plans to revamp the square, minus the gazebo and fountain [See “Council Oks square spruce up minus gazebo”].
Johnston, who has been the chief proponent of revamping the square and adding the gazebo, returned to the council at a July work session last week, saying the cost estimates for building a gazebo on the square were considerably less than originally proposed because the Covington-Newton County Land Application could supply the timber for the project, just as they had done for the buildings at Legion Field.
He told the council Newton Federal Bank was interested in supporting the $18,000 gazebo project. However, Smith said he had talked to the president, who had said would only move forward with the donation if the council voted unanimously in favor of the project.
Johnston left the work session agreeing he would talk to the bank’s president, Johnny Smith, about the caveat Smith shared.
Action takes discussion off table
At least two of the council members were unhappy with Smith’s discussions with the bank chair and other members of the board of directors. Hawnethia Williams Post 2 West said Smith’s actions had taken away the council member’s right to vote and discuss the project and should be censured.
“You disrespected us,” Williams said. “I don’t like the idea of anyone on the council having the right to speak to people for us.”
Smith said he shared his opinion and informed others of the council’s previous actions. But Ocie Franklin Post 3 West said the only reason she hadn’t supported the gazebo was because of the cost. “I’m disappointed in the council not being allowed to discuss it,” she said.
Josh McKelvey, Post 3 East, said the limited number of responses to his email about the project seemed to favor the proposed gazebo.
“I’m a little embarrassed by this,” the mayor said. “I would like you all to consider a motion that the city would accept the gift if someone else steps up to support [the gazebo project],” he said.
Council member Kenneth Morgan, Post 1 West suggested the topic be placed on the agenda for an upcoming town hall meeting for both the east and west sections of the city and asked if the topic could be tabled until the first council meeting in September. Tentatively, the town hall meeting is scheduled for the last week in August.
The motion was tabled with a vote of 4-2, with Williams and Franklin voting against it.
