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Former Selma City Councilman Tom Headley spoke at the Selma City Council meeting Jan. 30 and highlighted a handful of topics during his five-minute citizen’s concerns session.

Headley voiced concerns regarding putting up flags in the Old Live Oak Cemetery. He said that flags should be displayed only for American veterans and religious purposes, not Confederate flags. He recommended the city council should form a committee to discuss this subject. 

“If you canvassed a lot of people in this room and asked if they wanted confederate flags placed on city property, the majority of them would say no and I don’t blame them.” Headley said.

In other business, the council told Mayor James Perkins Jr. that he had no authority entering into a contract for portable buildings. Council members expressed displeasure over finding out about the agreement after a Jan. 30 press conference. Council President Billy Young said the agreement never came before the city council and it goes against its ordinance. 

An executive session was held with Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford and two Selma Police Department officers. Details of the session were not released.

Council members present at the meeting were: President Billy Young, council members Clay Carmichael, Christie Thomas, Jannie Thomas, Michael Johnson, Atkin Jemison, Troy Harvill and Lesia James.