MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 26TH, 2008
7:30 PM Regular Meeting
Mayor Newsome called the meeting to order with the following Council Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Gross, Councilors Standifer, Jacobs, Pompey and Alexander. Also present were: City Manager, Hugh King and City Clerk, Belinda Whirley.
Invocation
Lamar Crawley gave the invocation.
pLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Gross led in the pledge of allegiance.
Agenda Approval
Mayor Newsome asked that the following items be removed from the agenda, item numbers; 15 and 36 and add item #14a as Appointment to Historic Preservation Committee, add item #42a as Position of Part Time Grant Administrator, and item #43 Attorney Selection Process. Councilor Jacobs asked that the following item be postponed: item #s; 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 31, 34, 35, 37, 38. Councilor Jacobs made a motion seconded by Councilor Alexander to approve agenda with requested changes. All were in favor.
Minutes
Mayor Pro Tem Gross made a motion seconded by Councilor Standifer to approve the minutes of regular meeting of January 8th, 2008 and the special meeting of January 10th, 2008 with the following amendments: under City Attorney item on the January 8th meeting change wording to reflect March meeting instead of next meeting and under Water/Sewer Bond item on the January 10th minutes change wording of one sixth to one fifth. All were in favor.
Payables
Councilor Standifer made a motion seconded by Councilor Alexander to approve the payables as presented. Councilor Pompey voted against approving the payables. Motion passed by a 4-1 vote.
Financial Report
City Finance Director, Belinda Whirley gave a preliminary financial summary report for the month ending January 31, 2008. Councilor Standifer made a motion seconded by Councilor Jacobs to approve the report. All were in favor.
City Manager’s Report
City Manager, Hugh King reported that the city’s reservoir was only one foot below the full level, but added that improvements to the city’s water treatment plant, expected to begin in April, could make it difficult to pump water at certain times. He said the goal is for the reservoir to be full by March, as it was last year, to assure there is enough water to make it through the summer with more drought conditions.
King reported anotification of the advertisement of the two customer service positions. The notice was advertised for two weeks with a closing date of the 25th of January. We received a total of 73 applications for two positions. A few came in on Monday the 28th and they are included. We have two temps up front that have been here for almost a month and they are doing an adequate job. Peggy has prepared a database of the applications and she, Belinda and I will review the total for the minimumqualifications that were in the advertisement and set the short list for interviews.
City Manger King gave an update that all required documentation for the expenditures of phase II of Funderburg Park project,tennis courts and the paved parking area totaling $130,448.50 was faxed and mailed onJan 31st to DNR.
Next King informed Council that Doug Moore of MEAG did an energy audit on the Get Ahead House on January 15,2008. Attached is a copy of that report that contains several low cost recommendationsthat should provide reductions in the utility bills. I am providing a copy of the report to Chief Smith and Monte Roper and we will discuss several options to reduce our costs.
In conclusion, King reported that he and Chief Smith attended the meeting on Feb 5th with the new DOT Engineer Tony Collins. County issues discussed were the condition and need for repair to Jackson Lake Road and the need for school signals at the new High School. The City and County both strongly supported the need to complete the Perimeter Road.
ROW acquisition is in 2008 and construction is set for 2010. We also stressed the need to make the Square more pedestrian friendly and to make High Way crossings with existing Perimeter Rd 380 safer.
CITIZEN’S INPUT
Steve Benton appeared before Council to discuss some water safety issues that have been a problem since July of last year. Mr. Benton would like the City to do something to correct any problem with water health issues.
He commented that people hanging out drinking at the liquor store on the square is no way to attract business to Monticello. The City should do something to correct this problem.
In other business Mr. Benton extended his assistance to conduct a staff analysis to consider consolidation of the Monticello Police Department with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department.
Mrs. Elliott appeared before Council to request that the city do something about a vacant house close to her property. Also, she requested that the city repair lines to her house and do something about the water problems. In conclusion Mrs. Elliott requested that the City reimburse her for money she has spent because of problems with City water lines.
Bertha Montford appeared before Council to complain about a water problem she has on 1242 Sands Drive. Mrs. Montford indicated that the water lines behind her home smell bad. She requested that the City check the water smell and make sure she doesn’t have a gas leak. City Manager, Hugh King assured Mrs. Montford that the City would check on problems on Sands Dr.
Roberta Anderson appeared before Council to inform Council of a City drainage problem at 275 Frobel Street. City Manager, Hugh King indicated that City staff would investigate the problem.
Adam McGinnis appeared before Council on behalf of the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce and the Monticello Independent Merchants Association. He submitted a petition for downtown improvements, saying the merchants are willing to help and hope they can work together with city officials to improve the downtown area.
Lottie Norris appeared before Council to inform them of a letter that was placed on her car indicating that she had taken someone’s last parking space. Mrs. Norris indicated that it was very upsetting to get such a letter.
Mrs. Norris also feels that anyone has a right to sit on the benches and enjoy the City and that the City shouldn’t be so quick to move the benches because of a select few that shouldn’t be there.
OLD BUSINESS
RESOLUTION HONORING cITY JUDGE CHARLES NEWBERRY
Mayor Pro Tem Gross made a motion seconded by Councilor Standifer to approve a Resolution Honoring City Judge Charles Newberry. All were in favor.
BETTER HOME TOWN REPORT
Sage Edwards, Director of Monticello’s Better Hometown Program thanked the interim Police Chief Bud Smith for the foot patrol that has helped make downtown more attractive, dispersing loiterers as well as giving a feeling of safety. She also thanked him for the escort service the city provides for persons leaving their businesses.
Ms. Edwards reportedon the bicentennial festivities, and said a bicentennial print will be available for purchase next week. In addition, she will have note cards, post cards, pins, mugs, and other items promoting Monticello and JasperCounty for the 500-600 tourists who stop in the Visitor’s Center each month. She commented that she did not want the benches on the Square moved, in response to a request to move the benches. Mrs. Edwards also showed the council the cancellation stamp the post office will produce for use during the city’s bicentennial on December 10, 2008.
RATIFICATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION CONSENT ORDER
Councilor Standifer made a motion seconded by Councilor Pompey to approve ratification of Public Service Commission Consent Order. All were in favor.
rESOLUTION APPROVING HAZARDOUS MITIGATION PLAN
Councilor Alexander made a motion seconded by Councilor Pompey to authorize a Resolution Approving Hazardous Mitigation Plan. All were in favor.
APPOINTMENT TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMIttee
mayor Pro-Tem Gross made a motion seconded by Councilor Jacobs to appoint Cynthia Miller to the Historic Preservation Committee. All were in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
ACCEPTANCE OF GET AHEAD HOUSE GRANT FROM MOREHOUSECOLLEGE
Councilor Standifer made a motion seconded by Councilor Pompey to approve a grant from MorehouseCollege to fund the Get Ahead House. The project, Morehouse School of Medicine: Building Resilient Youth: A Multidisciplinary Approach, a prevention and intervention program, outlines how the funds are to be spent. No local match is necessary.
Get Ahead House coordinator Roberta Anderson, along with former Police Chief Norris and former City Councilor Jackie Smith worked to obtain this grant. Council members and the audience gave a round of applause for their work. Interim Police Chief Bud Smith is also familiar with the grant and the Get Ahead House.
EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH CARTER & SLOOPE FOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADE PROJECT
Councilor Standifer made a motion seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Gross to approve extension of contract with Carter & Sloope for Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project until December 31, 2008. Councilor Jacobs abstained from the vote.
RESOLUTION FOR APPROVAL OF WATER /SEWER DRAW DOWN
Councilor Standifer made a motion seconded by Mayor Pro-Tem Gross to approve the Resolution for Water/Sewer Fund Drawdown in the amount of $5,021.50. All were in favor
DONATION OF A PORTION OF CITY PROPERTY AT CHURCH AND FORSYTH STREETS FOR ROW FOR DOT PROJECT
Councilor Jacobs made a motion seconded by Councilor Pompey to approve donating to the Department of Transportation a little more than 322 sq.ft. of city property at the intersection of Church and Forsyth Streets for a major drainage project the DOT has planned. All were in favor.
Mayor Glenn Newsome, commenting on the long-time drainage problem there, said he hoped that the DOT would begin the project within the next six months. The city plans to ask the DOT to foot the bill for moving utilities required for the project.
DISCUSSION OF MERCHANT PETITION TO MOVE PARK BENCHES TOSQUARE
Councilor Jacobs made a motion and then withdrew the motion to move park benches.
DISCUSSION OF STREET DEPT. CLEANUP ON SQUARE
Councilor Jacobs made a motion seconded by Councilor Alexander to instruct the city manager to name one employee to be in charge of cleanliness around the Square. All were in favor.
DISCUSSION OF ENFORCEMENT OF CITY STANDARD HOUSING CODE
Councilor Jacobs made a motionthat city employee Peggy Billerman be charged with the duty enforcement of standard housing code. Councilor Pompey made a motion seconded by Councilor Standifer to tableuntil April meeting. All were in favor.
DISCUSSION OF CITY SIGNS, CITY LIMIT, STREET AND PARK
Councilor Jacobs made a motion seconded by Councilor Standifer to instruct city staff complete an inventory of city signs and note the ones that need immediate replacement. This includes traffic safety signs as well as street signs. All were in favor.
DISCUSSION OF THOMASVILLE SYSTEM AND TIME FRAME FOR EXIT
Councilor Jacobs made a motion seconded by Councilor Pompey to discuss the Thomasville system and a time frame for exit. Council appointed a committee consisting of Councilor Pompey, Jacobs, the City Manger and City Clerk to compare cost and report back to Council. Final decision was tabled until the March 11th meeting.
DISCUSSION OF ETHICS ORDINANCE AND BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Councilor Jacobs made a motion to appoint 2 people to the Ethics Board. Discussion was then tabled until the March 11th meeting.
DISCUSSION OF WESTVIEWPARK AND IMPROVEMENT PLANNING
Jehan El Jourbagy gave a report from the parks committee about a survey of neighbors of the WestviewPark area as well as low-cost suggestions for improvements. She also talked about the hours of FunderburgPark, and suggested residents in that area be surveyed before the lights are hooked up at the tenniscourts.
DISCUSSION OF OPERTAING HOURS OF CITY HALL
Tabled for discussion at Council Planning Session on Saturday, March 15th.
DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR UTILITY BILLS
Tabled for discussion at Council Planning Session on Saturday, March 15th.
READDRESSING THE APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM POLICE CHIEF
Councilor Pompey commented that the hiring of the interim police chief last month was illegal. She cited Georgia Code and the city’s charter, both of which outlined required procedures for hiring a chief.
Councilor Pompey attempted to make a motion for reconsideration of the hiring of interim police chief, but was instructed that the only person that can make a motion for reconsideration is someone who voted on the prevailing side of the vote. Therefore, one of the three persons who voted in the affirmative for hiring Mr. Smith would have to make the motion, and none of them were in agreement with Mrs. Pompey.
HIRING OF A PART TIME GRANT ADMINISTRATOR
Mayor Pro-Tem Gross made a motion seconded by CouncilorAlexander to hire a part time grant administrator at a salary of $25,000.00 to find and administer grants for the City. The City Manager was instructed to run an ad in the local paper advertising the position of part time grant administrator. All were in favor except Councilor Jacobs who wanted to wait on the hiring.
ATTORNEY SELECTION PROCESS
Council agreed to meet on Monday, March 10th at 6:00 PM to interview City attorney candidates.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Alexander thanked the public for their attendance.
Councilor Standifer thanked the public for their attendance and their prayers during the loss of his mother-in-law.
Mayor Pro-Tem thanked the public for their attendance.
Councilor Pompey thanked the public for their attendance.
Councilor Jacobs thanked the public for attendance as well and reminded them that Council is working hard to reduce utility rates.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilor Jacobs made a motion seconded by Councilor Alexander to go into executive session to discuss personnel.
Mayor Pro-Tem Gross made a motion seconded by Councilor Alexander to end executive session.
Mayor Pro-Tem Gross made motion seconded by Councilor Standifer to approve a settlement for a worker’s compensation claim filed by former Police Chief Danny Norris for injuries sustained last year. The settlement was recommended by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) insurance carrier that handles worker’s compensation. All were in favor.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Jacobs made a motion seconded by Councilor Standifer to adjourn at 11:10 P.M. All were in favor.
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