BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Several new city officials were sworn in to office on Monday, and it appears as though the latest lineup of Beckley Common Council members can be expected to continue the search for answers with regard to a lease for the Fruits of Labor organization.
Multiple city council meetings in recent months have seen questions presented, either from members of the public or members of council itself, with regard to Fruits of Labor’s operations. Namely, much discussion has surrounded the notion that the organization is purported to have been operating out of a building owned by the city with no lease in place.
Councilman At-Large Cody Reedy, one of just three remaining incumbent members of Beckley City Council along with At-Large representative Sherrie Hunter and Ward 5 representative Janine Bullock, has been adamant about receiving greater transparency from both the city and Fruits of Labor with regard to the situation.
The councilman touched on the situation yet again following Monday’s ceremony, stating that he plans to prioritize the issue going forward.
“I just want to work with this new council and get them involved as much as we can; get them caught up to the guard. We’ve got to get this Fruits of Labor lease finalized one way or the other. Whatever decision the council decides, we’ve got to get that taken care of,” said Reedy. “Two years is way too long for somebody to be in a building with no lease. I’ve stated that no one should have ever gotten a key to the door without signing a contract.”
Beckley residents have, at various points, expressed frustration at a perceived lack of urgency in the addressing of concerns regarding the lease and Fruits of Labor in general by the former mayoral administration. Though Reedy tells LOOTPRESS he is optimistic that the recently appointed members of city council will be able to effectively reach a solution.
“I think it’s going to be no problem. I think this council is going to have more of a voice and a say, and I think the new council and returning council members are ready for that. I think we’re going to work really well as a team to [make] these major decisions,” Reedy explained. “We’re not always going to agree. But at the end of the day, I think we all can walk out of the meeting not agreeing with each other and have respect for each other. I think that’s going to be one great thing with this council. So, I have no worries at all that this council, city manager, and mayor will be able to handle all the responsibilities that we have coming our way.”
Beckley Common Council is scheduled to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
