Council kicks off a new year

Jan. 7 Regular Meeting

The first regular meeting of the Pierce County Council in 2020 – and the second overall meeting of the nascent year – held on Jan. 7 — was a quick affair, lasting little more than 30 minutes.

By a vote of 7-0, the council passed a resolution proclaiming January 2020 as “Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month” in Pierce County.

The council was also unanimous in approving a resolution making appointments of councilmembers and staff to positions on external boards, commissions, committees and other organization for the year. The resolution included two amendments passed by the council having to do with appointing named people to certain positions and changes to alternate positions.

Derek Barry, a new appointment to the Pierce County Parks and Recreation Citizens’ Advisory Council, briefly addressed the council.

“I believe the parks and recreation you guys have in Pierce County is fantastic,” Barry said.

The nine-member board meets every other month to advise the Parks and Recreation Department concerning general operations, capital projects and the needs and interest of the citizens of the community.

Jan. 2 Special Meeting

Housekeeping matters dominated a special Jan. 2 morning meeting of the Pierce County Council that included the election of officers for the new year. By a vote of 7-0, Doug Richardson retained his title as chair of the council, with Dave Morell voted vice chair and Derek Young voted executive pro tempore. In 2019, Connie Ladenburg served as vice chair and Morell served as executive pro tempore.

Also by a 7-0 vote, the council approved a proclamation remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King for his contributions to the ideals of equality and justice.