OFFICIAL COPY OF MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING – February 7, 2013
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL – FEBRUARY 21, 2013
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tipton who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilman Myrick gave the Invocation. Councilmembers Kerby, Myrick, Baxter, Rawlings, Attorney Dickey, City Administrator Akridge, Police Chief Roy Pike, Fire Chief Ferman Tyler and Finance Clerk Missy Ridley were all present. Councilmembers Crosby and Griffin were absent as well as Assistant City Clerk Diane Proudfoot due to training at the GAZA Conference in Athens.
Councilman Baxter made a motion to approve the draft copies of the Minutes of the last meeting. Councilman Kerby seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Councilman Myrick made a motion to approve the Agenda as presented with the addition of an Executive Session to discuss Litigation. Councilman Baxter seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Councilman Kerby reported that the Phase II Drainage Project should be completed in March.
Councilman Myrick reported that the Eternal Flame is now is lit at the Veterans Monument and looks great. He reminded everyone that bricks for the Monument are on sale to support the project.
Councilman Baxter reminded those in attendance that the Imperial Sugar Refinery’s five year anniversary of the explosion was this week and to remember those families who suffered losses or injuries in that event.
Mayor Tipton mentioned that a preliminary Flood Plain Map meeting was held on Monday, February 4th. He mentioned that there was a good turnout and that the next meeting would be held on February 28th.
Mayor Tipton also briefly discussed the ongoing LOST negotiations and thanked the City Attorney and the City Administrator for their assistance in the negotiations.
City Administrator Akridge reported that the SPLOST revenues for December was $44,646.20.
There was no Old Business.
1. Presentation of the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Audit – Karp, Ronning & Tindol.
Mr. Chris Lightle of Karp, Ronning & Tindol came forward to present the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year Audit findings and briefly discussed the highlights of the Audit. Mr. Lightle indicated that the City was in great shape financially and issued a “clean opinion” of the review.
2. Consider rates for Extra Recycling Carts, 2 and 4 yard dumpsters
Councilman Myrick made a motion to implement the new rates as recommended by the City Administrator. Councilman Baxter seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The rates are as follows:
2 yard dumpster – $60.00
4 yard dumpster – $75.00
Extra Recycling Cart - $8.25
3. Consider entering into a Settlement Agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers
City Administrator Akridge explained that back in 2010, the City by and through its contractors encroached on .22 acres of wetlands in the construction of the new ball field at Taylor Park. By entering into this Settlement Agreement, this issue would be resolved. With no further discussion, Councilman Kerby made a motion to enter into a Settlement Agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
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4. Consider entering into a Tolling Agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers.
City Administrator Akridge explained that the Tolling Agreement serves as an “after the fact” permit for the encroachment of the .22 acres. Councilman Kerby made a motion to enter into a Tolling Agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
5. Consider authorization to purchase 1.86 wetland mitigation credits from the Yam Grandy Mitigation Bank.
Councilman Myrick made a motion to purchase 1.86 of wetland mitigation credits from the Yam Grandy Mitigation Bank and that the funds be taken from the Emergency Account to reimburse the General Fund when that Certificate of Deposit is up for renewal. Councilman Baxter seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
6. Discussion of potential purchase of K-9 Unit for the Police Department
Councilman Baxter introduced Police Chief Roy Pike who discussed the advantages of having a K-9 unit for the Police Department. There was no action taken on this matter at this time.
Councilman Baxter made a motion to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Litigation. Councilman Kerby seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
VIII. RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION AND EXECUTE AFFIDAVIT PURSUANT TO GEORGIA LAW
Councilman Baxter made a motion to return to Regular Session and execute affidavit pursuant to Georgia Law. Councilman Kerby seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
IX. Accounts payable
Councilman Myrick made a motion to pay the bills. Councilman Kerby seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
X. Adjourn
With no further issues for consideration, Councilman Kerby made a motion to Adjourn. Councilman Myrick seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously
Respectfully submitted,
Charles D. Akridge, City Administrator