By By Adam Prestridge
Retired teacher and coach Cornell Torrence officially became a member of the Atmore City Council after being sworn in by Judge Joseph Brogden at Monday afternoon’s council meeting.
Torrence’s wife, Mavis, and their son, Jeffery, joined him as family members and friends gathered as he entered office.
Torrence, 76, fills the District 2 Atmore City Council seat vacated by the death of Mayor Pro-Tem Eldred Pritchett who died in early December following a battle with lung cancer. He said last week that he was excited to take on the challenges public office holds and reiterated that during Monday’s meeting.
Torrence taught and coached basketball and football at Escambia County Training School for 14 years and Escambia County High School for 25 years. He was named Pritchett’s replacement during a special called council meeting on Jan. 5.
Torrence serves as a steward at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church and is the past president of the Progressive Civic and Recreational Club. He is married to the former Mavis Banks. The couple has three children, Dr. Marian Torrence, Connie Yvette King and Jeffery Torrence.
In other business, the council:
According to city records, Sutton has paid a $200 business license fee since 1990 until last year’s 20 percent increase. The city attempted to base its license fees on gross receipts, but following the council’s passage, it recanted following numerous complaints from business owners.
Shell agreed to look into Sutton’s issue and meet with him at a later date.
The resolution further reads, It appears to the City Council that the acquisition of the private property owned by those who were dismissed from Case No. 8904 is still needed to complete the airport runway expansion project by the City and said project and acquisition is a necessity and in the best interest of citizens of Atmore.