Helper City Mayor Lenise Peterman took a moment during the city council meeting hosted on Thursday evening to recognize a citizen that went above and beyond for another.
Josh Simmons, who works at Handy Mart on Helper’s Main Street, stepped in during a domestic violence situation that he witnessed. Through Simmons’ actions, the woman involved was allowed to escape the situation. Mayor Peterman thanked Simmons for getting involved and helping the woman while she was in need, stating that without his help, she may have lost her life.
“We can’t thank you enough. Citizens like you are priceless,” Mayor Peterman expressed.
Simmons was then presented with a special, framed certificate that recognized his unselfish actions by the mayor.
Also taking place during the meeting was the discussion and possible approval of a Community Reinvestment Agency. Helper City Attorney Jeremy Humes stated the old statute that the previous agency was created under has changed several times. Going back, that version did not have an option to dissolve the agency.
The current one, however, does. Given that, Humes suggested that since the agency already exists, has been registered with the state, and due to the council converting and updating it to the current terminology and code sections, they may reinstate the agency.
The council will have to modify the ordinance slightly for wording. Humes did also state that the process following that for any projects is more in depth.
Within ten days of passing the ordinance, it must be sent to the Lieutenant Governor’s office and a representative will get back with them, Humes believes, within about 45 days. The ordinance was approved by the council.
