Three Poplar Bluff City Council members say they are changing their stance on the possible relocation of city hall from downtown.
City council members heard Monday from about a dozen residents and also received results of a poll on the matter. Respondents to the poll were more than 80 percent in favor of keeping municipal offices downtown.
The location of city hall, the police department and city court are up for consideration.
Mayor pro tem Steve Davis and members Lisa Parson and Shane Cornman say in statements released this afternoon they support downtown for city hall, but would like the police department to go to a Shelby Road location.
Additional information will be released later today at www.darnews.com and in the Thursday print addition.
Here are their statements as submitted:
__Mayor Pro Tem Steve Davis__
“Whenever I decided to run for Councilman At-Large, I promised to listen, be fair, and make the best decision I could with the information I had.
Since the time I’ve been on the council, I have always voted to fully fund the downtown corporation director’s salary and support the programs it has sponsored.
After prayerful consideration and much dialogue with citizens, council members, and community leaders, I believe the best path forward is for the council to pursue the Shelby Road site for the Poplar Bluff Police Department, recommended by Chief Danny Whiteley, while keeping city hall downtown. This will show a continued commitment to the historic value of our town.”
__Ward 1 Councilwoman Lisa Parson__
”A little less than a year ago, I decided to run for the City Council because Poplar Bluff is a community that has always been my home; it has given a lot to my family and me, and I saw this as an opportunity to help the people of my ward.
Whenever I campaigned for office, many citizens expressed disappointment in our current Police Department headquarters, saying our officers needed a better place to work from. I agree. After visiting with Chief Whiteley for the last several months and assessing the options we have, I agree with the chief that the Shelby Road site is the best place for our Police Department to serve and protect our community from.
With regards to City Hall, we have heard from many passionate citizens, both publicly and privately. While an issue like this is not easy and a decision will not make everyone happy, I believe it is best and most appropriate for City Hall to stay downtown. I look forward to continue working with the council and civic leaders to move our city forward.”
__Ward 4 Councilman Shane Cornman__
“My objective during the recent discussion regarding a police station and city hall has been to get our policemen and women the facility they need and deserve, for all the work they do to keep our community safe and prosperous.
I understand the cultural value and significance of the city hall remaining downtown, so I will support keeping city hall downtown while moving the police station to the Shelby Road site.”