During a special meeting Thursday, the council announced there would be no further discussion of the proposed ordinance, which would have required that all plumbing and electrical work be conducted by licensed individuals and that volunteer groups not only carry insurance, but pay a $20 license fee per group project. A second reading was scheduled for March 5.
"After reconsideration, we chose to let it become moot," said Mayor Bob Collier.
A first reading of the proposed law was held during the city council's regular monthly meeting on Feb. 5, when councilman Bennie Massey was just one of several Lynch residents who voiced objection.
Lonnie Riley, who heads a Lynch-based missionary organization that has in the past enlisted several outside groups to assist in rehabilitating homes and providing health services, said the ordinance would penalize "people for helping your own people."
He said he is pleased with the council's decision and "they're to be commended."
"I just think that every citizen in Lynch is benefited by the decision," Riley said. His ministry has served the Tri-City area since 1999 and has helped repair about 100 homes in Lynch alone. Repair work varies from painting to porch repair.
"It's a wonderful thing they've done and they're to be commended," Riley said of the city council. "I think all of us are trying to work for every citizen of Lynch and to make it a better place to visit and come."
Collier said the purpose of proposing the ordinance was to release the city from potential liability risks, and to protect residents and their homes. He said he is unaware of past volunteer work that has presented a danger and that the council was attempting to keep it that way.
Also during Thursday's special meeting, a subcommittee was appointed to discuss and begin a Web site for the city. The subcommittee is comprised of city council members Tracy Bailey, Anne Carr and Massey.
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