By Steven Thomas
The Valley Times-News

The mayor and city council of West Point met Thursday to discuss topics in preparation of their council meeting next Monday.

With all members in attendance, the council first met with Verlene Luna, assistant vice president of operations for WellStar Health System. She was there to discuss a recent meeting of the council where the status of the WellStar Medical Group building remaining on 10th Street was brought up.

During a July 23 meeting, the council agreed they needed to discuss the issue of WellStar remaining at its current location further with a representative from WellStar in order to find a solution.

With Luna on hand, she told the board that WellStar wanted to stay in West Point and was willing to either build a new location, take over a different building or some other option but needed a year to put a plan together.

The council was receptive to Luna and pointed out that WellStar has done a lot for the community and many were happy to give WellStar a little more time provided the company kept them updated on the situation.

Later in the meeting, council member Henry Hutchinson said that he was even willing to give WellStar two years. Mayor Steve Tramell suggested that he was amenable to that provided they have a plan in place within a year.

The council then discussed a special event application and policy update.

City Manager Ed Moon told the council that the current plan does not have a proposed cut off time for events and suggested an 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. to midnight deadline.

He also suggested the board include rules for alcohol sales during special events.

Moon suggested a $50 fee for caterers, provided they do not have a business license beforehand.

After a further discussion on the rules surrounding alcohol sales at events, Moon said he would clean up the wording of the policy before Monday’s meeting.

The West Point City Council will meet on Monday, Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.