Minutes from City Council Meeting

City of Demorest, Georgia

Minutes from City Council Meeting

Tuesday, March 7 , 2017

6:30 PM

The Mayor and Council met for a scheduled Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. Present for the meeting was Mayor Rick Austin, Councilman Jerry Harkness, John Popham, Councilman Sean Moore and Councilwoman Florence Wikle. Also present for the meeg was City Manager Kristi Shead, City Treasurer Joely Mixon, City Attorney Joey Homans, Police Chief Robin Krockum and Fire Chief Ken Ranalli.

City Attorney Joey Homans gave the invocation and Mayor Austin led the pledge to the flag.

Mayor Austin asked if there was any additions to the agenda. The Council added to the agenda the following:

# 5 – Consideration of American Development Corporation Proposal for Waste Water Department

#6 – Consideration of Resolution with Piedmont College

#7 – Consideration of moving forward with 365 bore for sewer line

#8 – Consideration of appointees for Habersham County Comprehensive Plan

Councilman Moore made a motion to accept the amended agenda. A second was received by Councilman Popham (4-0)

Councilman Moore made a motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of February 7, 2017. A second was received by Councilman Popham. (4-0)

There was no one present to speak before Mayor and Council at this time.

City Manager Shead address Mayor and Council of her finding in regards to StreetScape Phase II. She presented three different options to consider. It was decided by Mayor and Council to choose option three which moves the project to the opposite side of the street. If there is any remaining funds left from the grant those funds will be used to replace the railing leading up the side walk on the original side of project. Once a detailed design has been completed it will be presented to Mayor and Council.

Councilwoman Wikle made a motion to move forward with the project of moving it to the opposite side of the street. A second was received by Councilman Popham. (4-0)

Waste Water Superintendent Charlie McGugan came before Mayor and Council to discuss the proposal given to him by American Development Corporation Proposal for the Caustic Soda 40%. Mr. McGugan stated there will be a cost savings of $30 to $40 a day. Councilman Moore made a motion to accept the proposal from American Development Corporation at $4.25 per gallon. A second was received by Councilman Popham. (4-0)

Waste Water Superintendent Charlie McGugan requested Mayor and Council to consider moving forward with the quote that was received by Allan Dearth and Sons for the repair of the generator at Huntington Manor. Councilman Harkness made a motion to authorize Mr. McGugan to receive additional quotes with the assistance of Ms. Shead. The quotes will be capped at $3,000.00 and to proceed with City Manager’s approval. A second was received by Councilwoman Wikle. (4-0)

Mayor Austin discussed with Council the resolution with Piedmont College. He stated the reason for the resolution was to have an opportunity to discuss with the Piedmont College trustee the benefits the City provides to the college and discuss the needs of a potential better relationship with the college staff and trustees. The resolution is asking for an audience with the Piedmont College Trustees. Councilman Harkness made a motion to accept the resolution with Piedmont College. A second was received by Councilman Popham. (4-0).

Ms. Shead addressed Mayor and Council on the potential of moving forward with the 365 bore for the sewer line. This will be in preparation for whatever or whoever purchases the property that is in question. Councilman Harkness made a motion to move forward with bids on the project. A second was received by Councilman Popham. (4-0)

The Habersham County Comprehensive Plan has requested Mayor and Council to begin thinking of two appointees to serve on the steering committee. Councilwoman Wikle made a motion to move forward with the plan and a second was received by Councilman Popham. (4-0)

Ms. Shead addressed Mayor and Council lon the LMIG 2017 and the funding increase of of 30% from the previous year. This will bring the total received from the grant to about $30, 000 and the amount budget for this year is $30, 000, bringing the total funds for paving to $60,000.00. Councilman Moore made a motion of moving forward with paving a part of Georgia Street beginning at HWY 441/Central Avenue and building an apron for those turning right and left to help with flow of traffic. A second was received by Councilwoman Wikle. (4-0)

Councilman Harkness made a motion to move forward with the EZ Pay Contract. A second was received by Councilwoman Wikle. (4-0)

Councilman Harkness made a motion accept the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Housing Agreement. A second was received by Councilman Moore. (4-0)

Chief Krockum made Mayor and Council aware that he and Chief Ranalli were looking into getting AMD to place in each patrol car and to place one at the offices of City Hall. Mayor and Council were appreciative of the initiative the two chiefs have taken.

Councilman Popham made a motion to proceed with the public hearings to amend the purchasing authority of the City Manager to $5, 000 for a non-budgeted item and $10, 000 to a budgeted item. A second was received by Councilman Moore. (4-0)

Councilwoman Wikle made a motion to table the Tree City Ordinance until work session for further discussion. A second was received by Councilman Harkness. (4-0)

Councilman Moore made a motion to enter into executive session regarding personnel and pending litigation. A second was received by Councilman Popham. (4-0)

Marlena I Sosebee

City Clerk