Minutes of Hahira Council Meetings for the month of December 2007

HAHIRA CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3, 2007
WORK SESSION
6:30 P.M.
COURTHOUSE

Mayor and City Council met for a Work Session on Monday December 3, 2007, at the Courthouse with Mayor Wayne Bullard presiding.

PRESENT:

Mayor Wayne Bullard, City Manager Jonathan Sumner, Councils, Rose Adams, Ralph Clendenin, Temple Ogundu, Terry Benjamin, Police Chief Terry Davis, Fire Chief Dwight Bennett, PWD Donnie Warren, City Clerk Diane Bellflower.

REVIEW/CORRECTIONS OF MINUTES:

    1. October 29, 2007 Work Session
    2. November 1, 2007 Council Meeting

Mayor and Council were given a copy of the Work Session. City Manager stated that he did not put a copy of the Council Meeting the their packets. He stated to Mayor and Council his apologies and that he would put a copy of the Council Meeting in their box.

REVIEW OF BILLS/BUDGET OVERAGES:

Mayor and Council had no questions concerning the bills and budget.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

  1. Amendments to the 2007 Budget (City Manager)

    City Manager stated that on November 13th he put a copy of the proposed 2007 Budget Amendments in Councils box at the office and in their packets. Some amendments had to be made to some amounts that were not put in correctly, mainly the payroll, notably Medicare, social security, and workman’s comp. The largest amendment was for three hundred fifty thousand dollars in the proprietary fund for the Doubletree Expansion that the Council voted on in June. City Manager Sumner stated that the budget amendment process just brings the budget into compliance before the end of the fiscal year. These amendments allow for adjustments that need to be made. City Manager Sumner stated that if Council passes this new proposed budget for fiscal year 2008, we would be able to cut these amendments hopefully in half. City Manager Sumner stated that the City would be able to meet all of obligations for payroll, sinking fund and others.

    B. Application to sell Beer and Wine:

    (Park Street Market)

    Chief Terry Davis stated that Mr. Jeffery Dorsey had applied for a wine license application. Chief Davis stated that after reviewing a notarized criminal history consent release form, a criminal history check was conducted through the Georgia Crime International Center on Mr. Dorsey. No current criminal history was found. Chief Davis stated he sees no reason not to issue a wine license to Mr. Dorsey based on his criminal history. There only intention is to sell wine only.

  2. Text Amendments for Subdivision Ordinance:

City Manager Sumner stated that Councilwoman Adams, regarding underground utilities and sign reimbursements in new subdivisions, requested the following text amendments. They were passed through Planning and Zoning Administrator, Anne-Marie Wolff, and her suggested changes were included. City Manager Sumner stated that Council could approve this on Thursday night at Council Meeting.

DISCUSSIONS:
    1. Consideration of 2008 Budget: (City Manager)

      City Manager stated that Mayor and Council had met at three different occasions to discuss the budget. City Manager Sumner stated that he would like to have the budget passed before we start the new fiscal year. There have been a few changes that were suggested: Christmas bonuses have been added in the administration section. The addition of the Community Development Block Grant Project, and some improvement with SPLOST within the Proprietary Fund.

    2. Consideration of 2008 Meeting and Holiday Schedule: (City Manager)

      City Manager Sumner stated that all Work Sessions are typically held on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Courthouse unless otherwise indicated. The Council Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Courthouse. The only change is the first meeting in January will be moved back a week due to the holiday. He stated if Council had any questions to please let him know.

    3. University of Georgia Salary Study:

      (City Manager)

      City Manager Sumner stated that he was asked at the October Council Meeting to do some research to see if the Georgia Department of Community Affairs could accomplish the same tasks we are proposing Dr. Condrey to perform. He has since spoken with Scott Purvis of DCA and have learned that they have no staff that works with local governments on this type of data. The only data that is publicly accessible is their wage rate and salary study data. This will be submitted for Council’s consideration on Thursday night.

    4. Nomination of Name to fill Planning

      Commission Vacancy. (Mayor Bullard)

      Mayor Wayne Bullard stated that the only name submitted for this was Mr. John Bailey. Mr. Bailey stated that he would like to be re- appointed for this position for another 5-year term. The Planning Commission recommends that Mr. Bailey be appointed to another 5-year term, which would expire November 14, 2012.

       

    5. Attendance at Mayor’s Day Conference:

      (City Manager)

      City Manager Sumner stated that Mayor and Council have a registration form for Mayor’s Day 2008. The training will begin on Saturday January 26, 2008. The conference ends the evening of Monday, January 28th.

    6. Attendance at INCODE Training Conference:

      (City Manager Sumner)

      City Manager Sumner stated that staff attends the next INCODE training conference in New Orleans, Louisiana from Monday February 18, 2007 until Friday February 22, 2007. Those who will attend are Mayor, Belinda and the City Manager. Conference registration is $525.00 per person and lodging is $131.00 per room per night. Total cost for lodging and registration is estimated at $3,147.00.


      7.  
    7. Purchase of Property for CDBG Grant:

      City Manager Sumner stated that this approximately seven acres would be purchased with CDBG grant funds with Council’s approval. The acreage is needed for the sewer rehab project.


      8.  
    8. Consideration of Contribution to Impact 2012:

      (Mayor Bullard)

      City Manager Sumner stated that everyone had received IMPACT 2012 Packets by Mayor’s request. IMPACT 2012 is an initiative seeking to position the county for economic growth and enhancement. This will take the form of expanded programs offered through the Chamber. The Mayor has indicated an interest in the program offered through the chamber. Any contribution made to the campaign would be divided out over a five-year period. As a campaign member the City would be entitled to attend the IMPACT 2012 meetings and receive periodic updates on its benefits to the community.

    9. Text Amendment to Restrict Exotic Animals:

      (City Manager)

      City Manager Sumner stated that recent events have prompted Councilwoman Adams to request that a closer look be taken at the City’s code section concerning animals and their control. City Manager Sumner stated that he would like to thank the Police Chief and Public works for going and picking up the huge snake that had been lost for sometime. Sumner stated that there are certain ambiguities within the code concerning exotic animals; specifically what constitutes a dangerous or vicious animal. The City Manager requested that Mayor and Council take a good look at this code and give their input.

       

      10.
    10. Proposed Clothing Ordinance: (Mayor Bullard)

      Mayor Wayne Bullard stated his concern for an ordinance that restricts the visibility of undergarments in public. Specifically, sagging pants. He stated he has had several complaints about the way certain gentleman wear pants down below their waist, which shows certain body parts other people do not wish to look at.
              

      11.
    11. Repayment of Certain SPLOST Expenditures-Per Auditor: (City Manager)

City Manager Sumner stated to Mayor and Council that $62,876 worth of expenditures made from SPLOST funds during 2005 were deemed ineligible in the 2006 Audit. As a result, the City appealed this finding to the Georgia Department of Audits through an opinion letter rendered by City Attorney Rob Plumb. The Department of Audits had found that they do not agree with all of the City Attorney’s interpretation, and has instructed the City to repay to SPLOST three expenditures from that period. City Manager Sumner stated that with the impending sale of the hospital, the repayment of these funds is possible without affecting the proposed FY 2008 budget. The accountant has recommended that the funds repaid to SPLOST be used for future water and sewer projects. Councilman Benjamin stated that he understood the matter to be currently under consideration by the Attorney General’s Office. He recommended waiting for notification from them before any action was taken. Mayor Bullard agreed, and instructed the City Manager to wait for a response.

DEPARTMENT REQUESTS:

    1. Patrol Car (Chief Davis)

      Chief Davis stated that he had several quotes for the new patrol car. One quote was from Prince Automotive of Valdosta and the other one is from Robert Fender Chevrolet. Chief Davis has currently approximately $30,000 in this year’s budget for vehicle purchase.
       

    2. Christmas Bonuses and Excess Sick Leave:

      (City Manager)

      City Manager presented to Mayor and Council how much the Christmas bonuses would be for each employee. He stated that Christmas Bonuses are calculated at 20% of the employee’s weekly salary per year of service. The maximum is 100% of an employee’s weekly salary, after 5 years of service.


      3.  
    3. Attendance in 2008 Class of Leadership

      Lowndes: (City Manager)

      City Manager Sumner stated that he had been nominated to participate in the 2008 Class of Leadership Lowndes. The cost is $700.00, and participation is one day a month, starting with an overnight retreat in January.


      4.  
    4. Mayor’s Day Motorcade: Chief Davis

      Chief Davis stated that the Mayor’s Day Motorcade would be on Wednesday December 12, 2007. Chief Davis stated everyone would leave from the Police Department at approximately 7:45 a.m. and he encouraged everyone to attend.

       

      5.
    5. Volunteer Firefighter Training

Reimbursement: Chief Bennett

Chief Bennett gave the total cost for the Volunteer Firefighter Call and Training Reimbursements 2007. Councilman Benjamin stated how much he appreciated our volunteer firefighters and the great job that they do.

CONTRACT RENEWALS:
    1. Helen Pettijean
    2. John Franklin Lewis
    3. Jessica Freeman
    4. Circuitboard Computers
      5.
    5. Triple Crown Hometowns

City Manager Sumner stated that the following individuals and organizations are up for renewal of their contracts for 2008. John Franklin and Helen are the same as last year, including a year renewal of Jessica Freeman’s contract for parole service. Sumner also stated that the computer services contract is up for consideration, and three proposals were attached for Councils review. The three proposals are from TR Logic, The South Georgia RDC, Circuitboard. Robert Mellott, who used to work for the City, submitted a fourth proposal. After consultation with staff, City Manager Sumner recommended Robert Mellott.

REPORTS:

    1. Council: No Report
    2. City Manager: No Report
    3. Mayor: No Report

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 A.M.

        _______________________
        Mayor Wayne Bullard

_______________________
Diane Bellflower, City Clerk

HAHIRA CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6, 2007
COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 P.M.
COURTHOUSE

PRESENT: Mayor Wayne Bullard, City Manager Jonathan Sumner, Councils, Rose Adams, Temple Ogundu, Terry Benjamin, Ralph Clendenin, City Attorney Rob Plumb, Fire Chief Dwight Bennett, Police Chief Terry Davis, PWD Donnie Warren, City Clerk Diane Bellflower.

Mayor Wayne Bullard called the meeting to order. A quorum was established.

Pledge of allegiance Mayor Wayne Bullard.

Invocation was given by City Manager Jonathan Sumner.

REVIEW/CORRECTIONS OF MINUTES:

    1. October 29, 2007 Work Session
    2. November 1, 2007 Council Meeting

Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept the review and corrections of minutes. Councilwoman Adams made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Councilman Benjamin, vote was unanimous.

REVIEW OF BILLS/BUDGET OVERAGES:

Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept the bills. Councilman Benjamin made a motion to accept the bills, seconded by Councilwoman Adams, vote was unanimous.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

  1. Amendments to the 2007 Budget:

    City Manager stated that these amendments were discussed on Monday night at the Work Session. Sumner stated that there was a change #35. He stated instead of the amount being $1500.00 it needs to be $4500.00. He stated that these errors would be corrected. Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept the amendments to the 2007 budget. Councilman Benjamin made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilman Ogundu, vote was unanimous.

  2. Application of sell Beer and Wine-Pack Street Market:

    Chief Davis stated that Mr. Dorsey had applied for a wine license. Davis stated after a complete background check he finds no reason not to issue the wine license to Mr. Dorsey at Park Street Market. This will be for wine license only. Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept this motion. Councilman Clendenin made a motion to accept, Councilman Ogundu seconded, vote was unanimous.

  3. Text Amendments for Subdivision Ordinance:

City Manager Sumner stated to Mayor and Council this amendment deals with street signs, sidewalks, underground utilities. Councilman Clendenin had questions concerning street definitions. City Manager Sumner stated that he would get those answers for the second reading of the Ordinance.

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD:

Gary Minchew of 4167 N. Valdosta Road, Valdosta, Georgia. Mr. Minchew stated that he has two subdivisions in Hahira, Woodbridge and Lawson Farms. Minchew stated that he started building in March 2004. Mr. Minchew stated at that time water sewer taps were $1000.00. Minchew stated that water sewer taps increased to $2000.00 then to $3000.00. Recently the City has increased the water sewer tap fees to $5000.00. Mr. Minchew stated that he felt this was a high price for a water sewer tap fee. Mr. Minchew asked the Mayor and Council to go back to what they originally agreed to. Minchew stated if Mayor and Council would agree on this he would be Mr. nice guy one more time. If not, he stated that he would turn this matter over to his attorney and sue the City of Hahira.

DISCUSSIONS:

  1. Consideration of 2008 Budget:

    Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept the consideration of the 2008 Budget. Councilman Benjamin made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilwoman Adams, Councilman Ogundu and Councilman Clendenin abstained, Mayor Wayne Bullard voted yes, motion was carried.

  2. Consideration of Contribution to IMPACT 2012:

    Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept the IMPACT 2012 at $5,000 over a 5-year-period for $1,000 per year. Councilwoman Adams made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilman Clendenin, vote was unanimous.

     

  3. Text Amendment to Restrict Exotic Animals:

    City Manager Sumner stated that Councilwoman Adams had some concern about exotic animals. It was discussed Monday night at the Work Session about having people to register these animals with the Police Department. The ordinance for the City of Hahira concerning exotic animals will be looked into and discussed at a later date. After a very detailed discussion, City Manager Sumner stated that he would look into this matter more.
     

  4. DEPARTMENT REQUEST:
  1. Patrol Car:

    Chief Davis has requested a new patrol car. On Monday night at the Work Session several quotes on this car were given to Mayor and Council. Councilwoman Adams asked what car will be phased out if a new vehicle was purchased, as the City has six patrol cars presently. Chief Davis replied that a car with well over 100,000 miles would be phased out. Councilwoman Adams stated that she pointed out in last month’s discussion about the Chevy Trail Blazer’s appearance in the Associated Press and all major news agencies. Crash test findings were released, and the Blazer and Jeep Cherokee were rated the lowest in the crash test. She stated that she believes this is an unsafe vehicle for public safety and the community can be better served with a sedan. Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to purchase the new patrol car as recommended by Chief Davis. Councilman Benjamin made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilman Ogundu, Councils Clendenin and Adams oppose. Mayor Wayne Bullard voted in favor. Motion was carried.
     

  2. Mayor’s Day Motorcade:

Chief Davis stated that the Mayor’s Day Motorcade would be on December 12, 2007 in Thomasville at Georgia Southwestern Hospital. Davis stated that everyone would leave from the Police Dept around 7:45 a.m. City Manager Sumner stated that the City would give $500.00 to Southwestern Hospital.

CONTRACT RENEWALS:

City Manager Sumner stated to Mayor and Council that he had talked to staff about changing computer services. The City is currently with Circuitboard Computers and would like to go with Information Technology Solutions, Robert Mellott, owner. Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept Mr. Robert Mellott. Councilwoman Adams made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilman Clendenin, vote was unanimous.

TRIPLE CROWN HOMETOWNS:

Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept the Triple Crown Hometown. Councilman Clendenin made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilman Benjamin, vote was unanimous.

CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. CONTRACT RENEWALS
  2. 2008 Meeting and Holiday Schedule
  3. Nomination of John Bailey to fill Planning Commission Vacancy
  4. Attendance to Mayor’s Day Conference
  5. Christmas Bonuses and Excess Sick Leave
  6. Attendance in 2008 of Leadership Lowndes
  7. Volunteer Firefighter Training Reimbursement
  8. Contract Renewal-Helen Petitjean

Contract Renewal-John Franklin Lewis

Contract Renewal-Jessica Freeman

Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda. Councilman Ogundu made a motion to accept, seconded by Councilman Benjamin, vote was unanimous.

REPORTS:

COUNCILS:

Councilwoman Adams stated that our Fire Department does a great job, here are a few things they have done for in the year 2007, working the RDC in using GPS and map the correct location of all fire hydrants in the City. The Fire Department currently has written 5 grants that is out for review. A fully operational fire prevention program has been established in 2007. The Fire Department spent a total of three weeks educating students at the Hahira Elementary, Head Start, and all Day Care facilities in Hahira. The department has worked diligently with the Hahira Middle School to develop a video fire safe program for the older kids, and this program will be delivered monthly through their in house TV programming. The Department is still working on our smoke detector program. It is the department’s goal to insure every home in Hahira has a working smoke detector, but with limited manpower and time constraints, the department has not been as aggressive as they would like in this program. The department has become a partner with the local boy scouts to assist them on certain levels of their education. The department has been asked to serve as a part of an advisory committee for the Head Start School. The department has added medical training to our staff to assist EMS on all life-threatening medical calls within the City. The department has started responding to all major medical calls while paid staff is on duty. Most of the City’s paid staff are EMTs. This is to insure a quick response for anyone in need of medical treatment. The City is required to flow test all fire hydrants twice a year, but with the limited manpower hours, each hydrant is tested at least once a year. The City is also required to visit each commercial business twice per year to conduct prefire plans. This includes drawing a schematic of each building and all the information pertaining to that business. The Department’s Fire Inspection division is working with all businesses in town to educate/enforce compliance with life safety codes. The department has worked for the last few months with the Lowndes County Board of Education in obtaining a house that they paid to have moved to our newly developed training field. This house will benefit the department for years to come. It will be used to increase our realistic training objectives. Chief Bennett was appointed on a advisory committee with Valdosta Technical College on the newly developed Fire Science Program. This will offer our department a better opportunity at a more diverse form of education that will benefit Hahira. Chief Bennett was deployed by the State of Georgia during the Ware County wildfires as the Operational Planning Section Chief, and his division had approximately one thousand firefighters and 150 fire apparatus, and a large number of aircraft under his command. The emergency calls have continued to increase yearly. This is only one page of things they have done this year.

Councilman Benjamin thanked all the employees for doing a good job, he also thanked everyone for coming out tonight. He thanked Public Works for all the hard work that they do. In rain, sleet or snow those guys are out there working hard. He also thanked Councilman Ogundu for four great years of service and told him that he would be greatly missed. He stated that with Councilman Ogundu input the City had accomplished a lot of good things.

Councilman Ogundu stated that he had enjoyed serving the citizens of Hahira for four years. He stated that together they had accomplished many good things. He stated to Mayor and Council and City Manager that he had enjoyed working with everyone.

Councilman Clendenin stated to Councilman Ogundu that the citizens of Hahira appreciate a great job that he has done. He also stated he would like to see a tax reduction next year.

City Manager Sumner stated that he wished Councilman Ogundu the best of luck and he had enjoyed working with him.

Mayor Bullard stated that he had worked with Councilman Ogundu for four years and through those years they had accomplished a lot. He stated he is very proud of his Council, City Manager, Staff, etc. He stated that he hopes next year will be a prosperous year.

Mayor Wayne Bullard asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilman Benjamin made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Ogundu, vote was unanimous.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

_______________________
Wayne Bullard, Mayor

________________________
Diane Bellflower, City Clerk

 

 

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