Zachary J. Burkhalter, Floyd County native, has assumed the duties of city attorney in Aragon.

Mayor Brenda Gazaway and city council members Beverly Clinton, Patricia Jackson, Billy Weaver and Eugene Smith have welcomed him.

Burkhalter will provide legal advice and support to Gazaway and city council members. He will represent the City in Civil Litigation and be responsible for drafting contracts, easements and other real estate documents where Aragon is a party. He will also be responsible for drafting municipal ordinances and resolutions.

He fills the position formerly held by Municipal Court Judge W. Gene Richardson, who recently resigned to accept a new job in Floyd County.

“I am very happy about being selected to represent Aragon’s legal interests,” Burkhalter said. “There is no better place to live and work than in a small Southern town. Nowhere else can you find such a close-knit community that puts the interests of its citizens ahead of anything else.”

He was present at Thursday’s meeting of the Aragon Mayor and Council.

Prior to the short business session, staff of Redmond EMS made a presentation. The group included Callie Hulsey, Marty Robinson, Buck Coalson and Jason Brand.

Robinson presented an automatic external defibrillator (AED) to Police Chief Wayne Sanders. The AED is an electronic device that automatically diagnosis a potential life threatening cardiac problem. It can be used to treat through the application of electrical therapy to get the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.

Sanders said the device will prove an asset to the police department and will be used by Aragon police officers.

Mayor Gazaway expressed thanks to Redmond EMS for the presentation of the AED, a flag and other gifts.

“We appreciate all your support during the past several months,” she said.

Council members also heard a report from Fire Chief David Gilmer who talked about increased training and plans for “something new” for Halloween. He said permission has been obtained from Brian Spears, owner, and hopes are to sponsor a haunted house in the office at the old mill. More details will be announced at a later date.

A recreational report was given about improvements at Jake Belk Field, including a new scoreboard and concession stand. C&R Roofing submitted the low bid, totaling $1,820, for a dugout roof and related work at the field.

Council members approved the roofing bid and adopted the 2010-2011 budget, which totaled $692,950.

They also gave the green light to Cathy and Gary Johnson, who plan to open Aragon Pawn and Variety near the post office. The couple plan to open their business soon.