Ripley board: minutes, budgets, cybersecurity, equipment purchase, retail license and ward ordinance approved

The Ripley Board of Mayor and Aldermen cleared a slate of routine but consequential items in a single meeting, approving minutes, financial statements, departmental reports and several administrative actions.

The board approved the December 1 minutes and minutes from a special workshop on precinct voting; it also approved the city financial statements and departmental reports after motions and voice votes.

On compliance and procurement, the board approved a Ripley Power & Light cyber security policy required by state law (motioned by Alderman Thompson), and authorized a purchase of a Kent Mini X from Thompson Machine Machinery using state contract pricing; the equipment purchase was supported with proceeds from prior equipment sales to offset cost. Board members voted by roll call on the purchase.

The board also granted a certificate of compliance for a retail package store application for Aldrich Mafatla at 1293 Highway 51 after the police department confirmed background checks and zoning; that approval proceeds to the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission for final licensing.

Finally, the board completed the second reading and adoption of an ordinance amending city election wards for alderman elections after a presentation from the election director.

Motions were made and seconded for each item and recorded in the meeting minutes; most votes were unanimous in the portion of the transcript provided.