Dallas City Council

Dallas City Council Discusses Police Staffing, Community Center Use, and Property Issues

(From the minutes taken by Steven K. Vorhies, City Clerk)

The Dallas City Council convened its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 6, at City Hall. Mayor Kevin Six called the meeting to order with Commissioners Carole McDowell, Peggy Newberry, Harold Northup Jr., and Greg Olson present. Others attending included Deana Ferrill, Anne Thompson, Steven James, Cathie Smith, Michelle Gold, and Alicyn Gerhardt.

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the June 15, 2026 meeting and voted to pay city bills. Both motions passed with ayes from McDowell, Newberry, Northup, Olson, and Mayor Six.

During public comments, Steven James asked when the last police citation was issued and who would be responsible if his grandchild fell in a hole on city property. After raising his voice, Mayor Six asked Mr. James to leave the meeting.

Michelle Gold requested and received permission to use the city hall water hose to water flowers purchased by the Celebration Committee for the upcoming city celebration. 

She also asked that tree limbs hanging over street signs be trimmed. The council said the city’s streets employee would be notified.

Northup reported that one of the city’s police vehicles has a dead battery and that he will contact Melton’s Auto for service. 

He also announced that both current part-time police officers have resigned. Two Hancock County Sheriff’s reserves have agreed to work during the upcoming city celebration using police department equipment.

The council discussed advertising for a new police chief. The city attorney has prepared an advertisement to run.

McDowell reported that the Land Bank has voted to bid on the old cleaners building on Oak Street next to the railroad tracks. 

If successful, the building will be demolished, the lot cleaned up, and the property will become city-owned.

Mayor Six reported that a new sign has been installed at the intersection of Oak Street and First Street indicating that U-turns are permitted.

The council discussed rental policies for the Dallas City Community Center, including whether alcohol should be allowed. Deana Ferrill offered to handle reservations for the center, and this will be discussed further at the next meeting.

Council members also discussed the walking path and options such as closing it at night or installing solar lights.

A motion was made by Northup, seconded by Olson, to hire Hauk & Owens LLC as the city’s attorney. The motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Northup, seconded by Olson, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. This information was taken from the July 6 minutes approved at the July 20 regular meeting. 

The Dallas City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 3, at city hall.