The Swainsboro Kiwanis Club held its weekly meeting on Tuesday night, December 7, at The Rustic Grille at 7 p.m. With President Dianna Wedincamp presiding, there were 20 in attendance including one guest, Mayor-Elect Greg Bennett. The Raspberry Cheesecake, donated by Cayla Scarboro, was won by John David Bailey. The Domino’s pizza, donated by Domino's Pizza, was won by Cheryl Goodman.
The program for the evening was hosted by John David Bailey. He introduced newly-elected Swainsboro Mayor-elect, Greg Bennett. Bennett talked about all the changes he planned to implement to make Swainsboro grow and prosper during his upcoming term as mayor. He spoke of 20 items that will be considered on a retreat by the Swainsboro City Council. Bennett also spoke of his plans to build 80 apartments in Swainsboro and the development of a new subdivision north of town. He talked of the possibility for a Chic-fil-A and Arby's coming to Swainsboro. Bennett talked about an adjustment of the role of the city in the recreation department and a shift of control with the city parks to the city. He also announced that a grant will be submitted to redo Harmon Park. Bennett advised that with the high millage rate in Swainsboro, there is a need to reduce the rate to lower the tax burden on property owners. A tax reduction for senior citizen property owners will be proposed. He then addressed needs to be done to increase salaries of some city workers, especially police and firefighters and to adjust the insurance stipend. He spoke on a plan to replace police cars annually as older vehicles are phased out. This will lead to a more standardized look for city police vehicles. It is hoped the City Council can work together to get these things done.
If you would like to become a member of this club, contact Membership Chair Jane Durden at 478-494-4113 or e-mail her at hsdurden@bellsouth.net. If you would like more information about this club and the many community service projects performed each year, visit the club’s website at http://www.swainsborokiwanis.org or check out the Swainsboro Kiwanis Facebook page.
