Dresden Swears in Aldermen, Passes Juvenile Detention Support Resolution

During Dresden’s December board meeting, four aldermen were sworn in prior to the meeting. Newcomer Jennifer Reddick Schlicht, who won the alderwoman position with 889 votes, was sworn in by City Attorney Beau Pemberton as well as Lyndal Dilday, who won with 762 votes, and is returning as alderman after two years. Ralph Cobb who won with 807 votes and Kenneth Moore who won with 631 votes were also sworn in for another term.

“I’m glad to be back. I’ve missed it,” Dilday stated.

All members were surrounded by their families as they were sworn in.

The city also passed a resolution to show their support for the West Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center. Dresden Mayor Mark Maddox informed the board of history regarding the need for the resolution.

“We always had a need for juvenile detention and there’s no place in West Tennessee for us to do that,” Maddox said.

The city of Germantown, at the last West Tennessee Mayor’s meeting asked that Dresden consider going on record supporting the building, construction or renovation of a property to house juveniles that need to be detained 24 hours to 28 days.

“I thought that was a good thing for us to go on record to support and I’m sure our juvenile officer would appreciate it,” Maddox said.

The resolution maintains that Dresden holds public safety as a top priority and that crime has risen across West Tennessee for the past four years with juvenile offenses and crimes becoming common and that there are a lack of facilities hampering Youth Service Officers attempting to rehabilitate youth who require placement.

The resolution was passed unanimously.

Maddox stated that a copy of the signed resolution would be sent to Governor Bill Lee, State Representative Tandy Darby, State Senator John Stevens, Youth Services Officer Keith Jones and Juvenile Judge Jim Bradberry.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be on Monday, January 6 at 6 p.m. at city hall.