Ash Grove makes official ICE partnership, Bellm takes over as new city clerk

The city of Ash Grove finalized its partnership with ICE under the 287(g) agreement on Tuesday, May 19. Newly seated alderman Courtney Leader provided a “yes” vote on the previously tabled matter.

That same meeting was the first for new city clerk Joyce Bellm, who took over the role after the departure of longtime clerk Melissa Mau.

Previously signing a memorandum of agreement to align with ICE, the city of Ash Grove made a move at their previous meeting to attempt to officialize their collaboration with the 287(g) program at the request of city attorney Holly Dodge, who was in attendance on May 19.

The matter had been brought forward during the meeting on April 21, requiring two rounds of roll-call votes to pass. After the first, Casey Benson, who gave up her chair to Leader later that evening, voted “no” along with Alderman Kyle Feasel. The matter was tabled for the next meeting as Benson took issue with the fact that the agenda was not distributed more than 24 hours in advance for proper study.

Benson voiced her disapproval on May 21 in the role of alderman and continued to do so at the May 19 meeting as a citizen. She stood during the public comment section of the most recent meeting and delivered a statement to the board after being told that she wasn’t allowed to ask questions to the individual aldermen.

“I’ve reviewed the memorandum of agreement, sections 10 and 14 particularly,” said Benson. “And I have significant concerns [that] the public should understand before any kind of vote occurs. The agreement explicitly states that participating personnel will carry out that function at their expense, including salaries, benefits, overtime, transportation and equipment. It also states whether or not the city receives federal reimbursement is not material to that agreement… Section 14 further states that the agency will bear the cost arising from incidents involving liability, injury, or claims to participating personnel. Even federal legal representation under this agreement is described as discretionary, not an entitlement… We’re being asked to expand responsibilities for a police station that does not currently have 24/7 staffing.”

Benson’s statement about the police department potentially going unreimbursed was refuted by Chief of Police John Davis and Dodge, who said that the specific wording is in place in the event of a government shutdown or similar occasion.

The aldermen heard from Benson and discussed further. Leader would vote in favor of ratifying the agreement along with aldermen Ronessa Williams and Kristina Fry. Kyle Feasel maintained his previous stance and voted “no” on the ordinance.

The motion was passed as newly promoted city clerk Joyce Bellm read the roll call for the second time.

Bellm takes over city clerk role

Bellm took over the role of city clerk after the previous, longtime clerk, Melissa Mau, resigned. Bellm announced in her first city clerk report that she has already accomplished much in her short time as clerk.

“Since taking over [on] April 27, I have balanced the December water statement and the January water statement,” said Bellm. “I have done two payrolls, but I am in the process of working the bugs out of the GWorks system to pay out all the deductions.”