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Ray Hamilton, Cordele Dispatch

 

The Cordele City Commission met Tuesday November 19, 2024 at 9am at the Cordele City Hall Courtroom with Chairman Joshua Deriso, Commissioner Vesta Beal Shephard via telephone, Commissioner Issac H. Owens, and Commissioner Wesley Rainey in attendance. Commissioner Royce Reeves was not present. After the approval of the agenda and approval of the minutes, the meeting was underway with presentations to some locals deserving praise. First there was a proclamation honoring Ian Mitchell Edge. He is the young man who recently competed in a national FFA competition and was victorious. Both parents spoke about their sons’ determination and resilience after coming away empty-handed last year then winning it all in this years’ competition. There was also a proclamation making November 20^th 2024 Sammy L. Mumphrey Day. Mr. Mumphrey served on several boards including: Cordele Planning Commission, Board of Zoning, and served as Chairman of the Planning Authority, and Board of Zoning Appeals. There was also a presentation from Ms. Julia Brown regarding Bridging the Gap Educational Services (BGES). BGES provides after school programs and educational services. The organization also provides homework assistance, and STEAM activities. There will be a grand opening December 7^th.

Chairman Deriso wanted to address some issues he had with the last meeting and the way in which it was held. He also addressed a contract that was awarded at that meeting that he felt was done in haste. He also felt the contractor was not qualified and stated to The Dispatch that the contract in question was cancelled. Chairman Deriso also made allegations that Commissioner Reeves had received kickbacks from this contractor in exchange for approval of the contract. This particular meeting did not last very long. There was a feeling of anticipation as Chairman Deriso paused to deliver his remarks. Chairman Deriso began by saying “Before I start this meeting, I want to discuss something”. Chairman Deriso asserted that he had information about the contractor and Commissioner Reeves, and stated that this contract was not legal. He went on to discuss how the meeting was called. “Our charter says that you have to call a meeting by phone or you have to do it personally”. He did not mention the fact that the public also has to be notified in advance that a public meeting is to be held. Then his tirade veered into what might be deemed personal attacks when he stated, “To me, it was an act of collusion to have a meeting and not promptly inform the Chairman”. He went on to say that the meeting was not urgent in any way and that meetings that are “called” are generally done because there is an emergency. When the contractor bid on this job the first time it was pointed out that he did not have the proper equipment to do the job. He had to ask for and receive development funds in order to begin and complete the job last time. When the contractor bid on the job during the “called” meeting it was noticed by all that there was apprehension for the Public Works Department about his suitability for this job.

Chairman Deriso continued, “I’m ashamed of this Commission that it continually disrespects the Chairman. There’s an election next year. If you don’t like me, put somebody up [to run against me] if I run again. T keep disrespecting me in this position which the people put me in, is a shame”. In regards to Commissioner Reeves, Chairman Deriso stated “that person [has] shown [pointing to Commissioner Reeves seat] that they have no respect for law and order”. He went on, “I sent an email saying that this meeting was not properly called. Have not got a reply” in reference to his reaching out to the rest of the Board. He also expressed dismay at the City Attorney who he feels has to provided sufficient legal counsel to the Board. Chairman Deriso said “I spoke with our City Attorney on the matter. He told me what he believed. I need an attorney to get back with me and tell me what the law is, not what he believed”. The matter of personal animus was broached again when Chairman Deriso said “If it’s my attitude, if it’s my presentation, if it’s any part of that, I’m very reflective… I look in the mirror a lot”. “The thing is, we rushed the approval of a contract that should never have been given, like the first contract to this person. And I’m saying this ‘cause I want it on the record”. His assertions then wandered into racial politics. “And again, if it’s about my presentation, if it’s about my attitude, about my demeanor how I spoke to people… This county just voted for a man, Donald Trump, who does the same thing, so it can’t be that”. They don’t expect a black person to speak with authority and show strength and actually live by what the authority gives them. Because that’s the only thing that makes sense”. “If it’s my character, if it’s my delivery, why is it not his?” “So, with that, what y’all can do is call another meeting. This quorum ends now, ‘cause I will not be staying”. With that, Chairman Deriso looked in the direction of the Sheriff’s Deputy and said, “Sir, could you escort everybody out ‘cause the quorum is broken”.

The meeting room was then slowly emptied as the stunned audience departed in an orderly fashion. No other commission members spoke in their defense nor in support of anything Chairman Deriso had to say. The meeting was not officially adjourned.

The next meeting of the City of Cordele Commission will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024.