LaFayette Council celebrates massive homecoming economic boost

BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LAFAYETTE — The LaFayette City Council celebrated a massive economic and community boost from LaFayette High School’s recent Homecoming week during Monday night’s regular meeting, while also engaging in conversations about downtown leadership appointments and community safety.

Council members and city leaders praised the multiday alumni celebration, which drew thousands to downtown businesses and generated substantial local revenue.

Mayor Kenneth Vines reflected on the event’s communitywide impact and the teamwork required from every municipal department to pull it off.

“Sometimes when you’re trying to do good to bring different events and things into the city, you’re going to have some pushback. But in order to grow, sometimes you have to change, make changes and things like that,” Vines said. “Every department played a role last week.”

Despite the celebration, tensions arose during the meeting regarding the recent election of board members for LaFayette Main Street. Council Member Kim Langley voiced frustration over what he viewed as an ongoing lack of diversity and recycled appointments on the downtown revitalization board.

“One thing that happened last week I was a little bit concerned about: Main Street reelected their new board members, and I was hoping to see some more diversity in that and some changes. And I was very disappointed in that selection,” Langley said. “When you pick new board members, do not put people back on there that come from the same organization.”

During public comment, Main Street LaFayette Executive Director DeAnna Hand defended the organization’s governance, clarifying that appointments strictly follow established organizational bylaws.

“Our elections are set through bylaws that were established four years ago when we were designated,” Hand said. “We have to follow those bylaws, which tells us how to have a nomination committee. We had three nominations, and those three people that were nominated are the ones that filled our Main Street Board of Directors positions.”

Hand pushed back on suggestions the organization does not pull its weight, citing substantial grant investments brought into the city.

“Twenty grants have gone back into the city. [More than] $150,000 has gone back into the city,” Hand said, urging more citizens to attend meetings, volunteer and get actively involved to be eligible for future board seats.

In Other Business:

The council voted to select Urgent Care Clinic over Xpress One Labs LLC for third-party employee substance abuse testing (covering pre-employment, post-accident and random screenings). Council Member Emily Milford cast the sole dissenting vote against Urgent Care Clinic due to questions regarding guaranteed mobile and onsite collection. The subsequent formal approval passed unanimously.

Police Chief Christopher Trice introduced the city’s newest police officer, Ethan Reaves, to the mayor and council.

Council members discussed internal fleet vehicle maintenance tracking and raised the need for cross-training a municipal employee to assist Street and Sanitation Superintendent George Green during high-volume periods or sick leave.

Green clarified a proposed downtown cell tower inquiry remains paused due to local zoning restrictions, assuring council members no work can occur without proper planning approvals.

Concerns were raised regarding vehicles blocking sidewalks during homecoming festivities, with council members requesting stricter parking enforcement and outreach to housing authorities to ensure pedestrian accessibility.

Milford announced that preparations for LaFayette’s Christmas festivities will begin early this year to navigate budget constraints and recruit community volunteers from both inside and outside city limits.

Mayor Vines shared that community advocate Ebony Askew has initiated discussions to collaborate on a city-centered mental health support program for local residents.

The council approved accounts payable claims totaling $493,604.

Approved the conveyance of Handy Cemetery Deed #1851 to Sandra Burton.

A proposed executive session concerning a Notice to Preserve from the family of William “Bill” Burton was held at the end of the meeting following regular agenda business.