Retiring Deputy Police Chief Clay Connelly congratulates Terry E. Bovaird, his replacement later this month.
By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter
Williston city government witnessed a changing of the guard Tuesday when the City Council offered Latricia Wright the position of clerk at $42,000 annually and Terry Bovaird was promoted to deputy chief of the city police department.
Wright accepted the clerk’s position after the meeting in a conversation with City Manager Scott Lippmann but the city manager said he will probably have to present something in writing to the city council at its next meeting.
Meanwhile, he said Wright can be called the clerk. She has been interim clerk to this point.
Bovaird was named deputy police chief to replace the iconic Clay Connelly who has held the position for many years and has announced his retirement effective Sept. 27.
Williston Williston Mayor Jerry Robinson presents incoming Deputy Williston Police Chief Terry Bovaird with a plaque. Robinson introduced Bovaird, who will be second in command at the Williston Police Department.
Wright is replacing Fran Taylor, who like Connelly, was an icon in city government but left to take a job in Maryland with the Department of Defense. She is a military veteran.
Wright worked alongside Taylor for many years and learned the ropes. She will be asked to earn a certification as clerk.
Latricia Wright was offered the job of Williston city clerk Tuesday night. She has accepted the position. Wright is pictured after the council meeting.
Wright will serve six months of probation during which time she will be evaluated on her performance. The council has the option of offering her higher pay at the end of the probation period.
Bovaird has worked as a patrol officer for the Williston Police Department since May of this year. He served in the U.S. Army from 1979-1982 as part of the Hawk Air Defense Missile System. He was awarded the Army Achievement medal.
He worked for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office from 1984-2017. He worked in various capacities starting as a patrolman, then Drug Task Force Agent. He was promoted to sergeant, captain and major/Bureau chief.
His assignments at the sheriff’s office included director of the Multi-Agency Drug Enforcement Team and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Unit, Major/Bureau Chief of the Special Investigations Bureau, Major/Bureau Chief of the Intelligence, Forensics and Technology Bureau, Director of Emergency Management and Major/Bureau Chief of the Corrections Bureau.
IN OTHER BUSINESS:
Vets Memorial Looking Good
The city’s new Veterans Memorial has been completed except for the installation of a lantern light and a couple of other minor issues.
Lippman said the remaining bricks have been installed and landscaping trees were relocated.
The memorial is essentially ready for use when the Veterans Day ceremony rolls around on Nov. 11.
Spared from Hurricane
Lippmann said the city escaped most of the effects of Hurricane Dorian. He said the city was ready if the storm had made a direct hit on Williston and will be ready if other storms approach.
Lippmann said the city was hit with one downpour last week that dumped close to 3 inches of rain on the city in less than an hour. The ponding of water on city streets was a problem throughout the city.
Surplus Property
Council members agreed to advertise a surplus piece of property near Bronson.
The 40-acre property is estimated to be worth $102,000.
Mayor Jerry Robinson indicated someone might be willing to pay $40,000 to $45,000 for the property.
Council members decided they would try to sell it on the market first and negotiate a price with a willing buyer, if there is one.
Locking Up Park Restrooms
Council members agreed to lock up city park restrooms when the parks are closed to the public, to prevent vandalism.
The only exception is the Williston Youth Athletic Association Park which is leased to the private organization.
City Police Chief Dennis Strow offered the services of city police to lock the bathrooms at sunset and unlock them again at sunrise.
City parks aren’t gated. People can still enter the parks even though they are closed.
City Manager’s Pay
Councilman Charles Goodman handed out paperwork to his fellow council members giving a history of the city manager’s salary.
Goodman said he wants to discuss the city manager’s pay with the council at the next regular council meeting.
Water Problems
Councilman Elihu Ross said the amount of standing water around the city means there’s not enough open soil to drain the water anymore.
He suggested subjecting all proposed sidewalk, street and platform projects to an engineer’s review before allowing the projects to proceed.
As it stands now, the council either says yes or no to a project that could damage the city’s drainage.
Any project that could potentially cover soils should be examined by an engineer before receiving council approval, Ross said.
His idea didn’t win any support.
Budget Hearing, Records Training
The council’s first budget hearing is set for 5:30 p.m. on Monday at City Hall.
The city has also scheduled a public records training course with Joel Chandler at City Hall on Sept. 19.
City of Williston Regular Meeting September 3, 2019; Posted Sept. 3, 2019
