During Monday’s City Council meeting, Clayton Pilgrim (District 6) called for the removal of Dr. AJ Hashmi from the Paris Economic Development Board of Directors due to behavior he claimed was unethical.
Pilgrim alleged that Dr. Hashmi made an offer to financially assist a local company on behalf of the PEDC without prior approval. Hashmi denied these allegations claiming he made no actions without the knowledge of the PEDC Chair and Mayor Steve Clifford.
Pilgrim made a motion to remove Dr. Hashmi, but the motion failed due to the lack of a second.
The Council also increased the number of Members on the PEDC Board of Directors to 7 from 5. One spot will be reserved for a Council Member to be determined, annually, by a PEDC vote.
The Council also voted to increase water and sewer rates to cover operating costs, as they are required to do, appointed members to various City Boards and Commissions, and acknowledged the upcoming retirement of Police Chief Bob Hundley.
Led by City Manager Grayson Path, the Council, and those in attendance, gave Chief Hundley a standing round of applause.