Board appoints another member
By Melinda Harrell
Published in News on April 8, 2015 1:46 PM
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Lyman Galloway
PIKEVILLE -- Pikeville commissioners appointed Lyman Galloway to serve in the recently vacated seat of Todd Smith during the regular board meeting Monday night, leaving only two board members to serve that have actually been elected.
Former Commissioner Todd Smith resigned mid-March and said the reason for leaving the position was strictly job-related.
"My job does not allow me to prepare like I need to for the meetings," Smith explained.
"I started (the job) in September, and I tried to work with it, but there was no way. It is just job-related; that is the only reason."
Smith's seat expires in 2017.
Commissioner Charles Hooks nominated Galloway for the seat, and Commissioner Steve West provided the second.
Commissioner Robert Hooks voted against the nomination.
Charles Hooks said Galloway was the best candidate for the position.
"He has more knowledge," Hooks said.
"He has been a commissioner. He is familiar with all the sewer and water and the buildings. He is the best overall candidate to be a commissioner. He is the most knowledgeable person I know as far as the town goes."
Galloway previously served on the Pikeville Board of Commissioners for 16 years. He chose not to run for the seat during the last election cycle because of the death of his wife.
Galloway said he will do his best to serve the town.
"I didn't come looking for the job, but I will take it and do the best I can," he said.
"I think everyone knows my opinion, and that I will do the best I can."
Galloway has been very involved in town politics as a resident, attending most of the board's monthly meetings and asking questions frequently concerning the new cemetery addition.
The cemetery is now at the forefront of Galloway's agenda. Just after gaining his appointment a public hearing was held on the new cemetery ordinance.
The ordinance was passed as revised, however, the resolution for plots and lots pricing was not agreed upon during the meeting, which is causing hiccups for those that are waiting to bury family and loved ones in the new cemetery addition.
Kristy Brown Greene, late Commissioner Al Greene's wife, spoke during the public comment portion of the public hearing.
She is struggling with the process as her husband is in temporary resting place.
"I think we have (had) enough time to at least set a price so I can rest my husband in peace," Mrs. Greene said Monday night during the public comment portion of the public hearing on the cemetery ordinance.
"I have called town hall several times, and I talked to Mr. (Michael) Hunt several times. I think it is about time that we settle a price so tomorrow morning I can write you a check."
Charles Hooks suggested that a workshop be held to determine the total cost of the cemetery work, including fencing and surveying, which will help decide the final prices of the plots and lots in the cemetery.
To address the pressing matter of plot and lot costs, the board agreed to extend (not adjourn) the meeting tonight at 5:30.
"I want to really try to get this thing settled and get her husband buried," Galloway said.
The only commissioners left on the board that have actually been elected by voters are Charles Hooks and Robert Hooks.
Former Commissioner Al Greene died before his term expired in January, and the board appointed Commissioner Jay Hare.
Commissioner Todd Anderson resigned shortly after Hare's appointment, and Commissioner Steve West was appointed to Anderson's seat.