A special-called meeting of the City of Grenada Mayor and Council struggled to gain a quorum, reached a quorum and lost a quorum all within 15 minutes Tuesday evening.
The 6 p.m. meeting was called to discuss or approve B-2 and B-3 Zoning Ordinances and an industrial prospect in Executive Session before beginning the first of at least two FY2023 budget work sessions. The meeting was canceled at 6:26 p.m.
“If we don’t have a quorum, we can’t do anything,” Mayor Pro Tem Fredreick “Pete” Wilson, who oversees Ward 2, told the small crowd on hand.
According to Robert’s Rules, a quorum is the minimum number of voting members who must be present at a properly called meeting in order to conduct business in the name of the group. A quorum should consist of a number that is as large as can be depended upon for being present at all meetings, when the weather is not exceptionally bad.
Wilson was filling in for Mayor Billy F. Collins, who was unable to attend the meeting. Wilson called Ward 4 Councilman Michael D. Smith and Ward 5 Councilman Eric Harris via cell phone during the search for a quorum and he said both councilmen responded that they were unable to attend. He added that they thought the meeting, which was rescheduled from last Thursday, was rescheduled for this Thursday.
Ward 6 Councilman Larry Vance arrived shortly after 6 p.m., giving the meeting a quorum. However, while councilmen waited to officially start the meeting, Ward 3 Councilman Lewis Johnson exited City Hall without notice, leaving his cell phone, glasses and tablet behind at his workstation. Several attempts were made to find Johnson outside by those on hand, but he was unable to be located.
After waiting approximately 15 minutes following Johnson’s surprising departure, Wilson announced that the meeting could not be called to order after losing the number of councilmen needed for a quorum when Johnson left. Wilson then dismissed the Council and crowd.
Councilmen Warren B. Cox (Ward 1) and Ronald J. Merriman (Ward 7) were also in attendance.
Another special-called meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss the items on Tuesday’s agenda.
