At its regular Monday evening meeting, Corry City Council approved Councilman John Maloney’s resignation, Corporal Richard Bayhurst’s promotion and several other agenda items.
The meeting began with a public hearing in which citizens raised questions about legal fees, K‑9 unit expenses, and filling the vacancy left by Maloney. City Administrator Joanne Smith confirmed that the council will appoint a replacement within 30 days, accepting letters of interest through August 8. She noted the replacement must live in Corry, be at least 18 years old, and reside in the city for at least one year.
Corporal Richard Bayhurst was officially sworn in as Lieutenant. Police Chief Jordon Kitchen praised Bayhurst’s dedication and leadership, saying, “Rich is one of the most respected officers we have. He’s earned this promotion through hard work, professionalism, and a real commitment to the people of Corry.” Chief Kitchen added, “I have no doubt he’ll thrive in this new role and continue to lead by example.” The announcement was met with applause from council members and the audience.
The council then approved several key measures, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Corry School District for a School Resource Officer and the purchase of a backup generator for the wastewater plant.
During the second hearing, Corry resident Chuck Brink sharply criticized Councilman Buzz Hammond over Hammond’s proposal for EV charging stations behind a building he owns. Brink accused Hammond of misleading statements, saying, “You told the public that the Downtown Business Association was involved in the station project. Absolutely false… You made a false statement.” Brink demanded an apology and the project’s immediate halt.
Hammond responded: “I spoke to different members of the organization throughout the whole community… I never said I attended a meeting or asked for [DBA] support.” He added that revenue from the stations would go to the city—with “less than a dollar” earned per charge—and that increased handicap and public parking would benefit downtown businesses.
Brink criticized Mayor Michael Baker over the use of personal equipment for City business, claiming: “You allowed your wife, a private citizen with no official position, to respond to an official city email on your behalf.” Baker fired back: “She takes care of all my bookwork… Who am I going to get my answer from?”
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