Swainsboro City Council held their regular monthly meeting Monday, February 13, at 6 p.m. Following invocation by Rev. Mark Hardin, and the Pledge of Allegiance, Council approved the minutes from the January 24 meeting. In old business, John McClellan with Turnipseed Engineeers gave an update on the Elevated Tank Project. This project is located at the intersection of Old Nunez Road and Sycamore Streeet. The contractor has agreed to hold the earlier quoted price. Council voted to move forward with the project 6-0.
Council voted 6-0 to approve the alcohol license application for Dirghayn V. Patel at 202 E. Main St.
Chris Morton with Clearwater Solutions presented the Georgia Department of Public Health Drinking Water Fluoridation Award to the city. This award is for properly fluoridated and disinfected the drinking water for the city. He also presented a check to the city for $10,758.35. This is a refund from the repairs and maintenance account for funds not spent in 2022. Morton also requested the purchase or lease of two backhoes for the city. Three bids were submitted (Yancey, John Deere and JCB). Council unanimously voted to lease the backhoes from the low bidder, JCB, for 72 months. This will be paid with SPLOST funds.
Jacqueline Brantley addresses council regarding dilapidated property near her home .“Nothing has happened since the last time,” said Brantley. Following advice from City Attorney John Levis, Council voted to amend the agenda to put the nuisance abatement back into review. Council voted 6-0 for amendment.
Matthew Bright, once again, was present to talk about the issue with the property on Brown St. “month after month after month passes and you do absolutely nothing,” stated Bright. Mayor Greg Bennett informed Bright that the issue had been sent to the insurance company. Bennett told Bright he could hire an attorney if he was not satisfied.
Next on the agenda was Debbie Hudson Dubberly who addressed council on damage to her property caused by negligent city management. "I am seeking the status after we had the public hearing. I have not been contacted by anyone. I have another big chunk that has fallen off in the ditch. So, tell me please what the status is please,” said Dubberly. Mayor Bennett informed her that the insurance company denied the claim. “The insurance company denied the claim. If you do not agree with the insurance company, you need to seek other counsel,” stated Bennet.
In new business, the request for a game room application for 230 W. Moring St. was postponed due to no one being present to represent the application.
Council approved the advertisement for alcohol license for Ashley Brewer Youmans dba The Liquor Vault LLC at 403 N. Coleman St. The vote passed 6-0.
Council approved 5-0 for advertisement of alcohol license for Niranjan A Patel dba Mojo’s Wine and Spirits located at 546 South Main Street. Mayor Bennett recused himself due to him being the owner of the business.
Parker moved the next order of business by asking to amend the agenda to recognize an owner of a business that is located on Rentz street that needs to re-approve their application for a beer and wine license, due to missing the deadline for the application. The vote passed 6-0 with Sconyers seconding. Parker then made a motion to advertise for the alcohol license of this business and was seconded by Sconyers.
Deanna Ryan addressed the Council regarding upcoming cleaning projects and membership guidelines with Keep Emanuel Beautiful. She explained that the community needs more people who will reach out and inform them of areas within our County that need cleaning and revamping and would assist with the efforts of keeping it a beautiful place to live, and asked Council for recommendations. She also mentioned that Keep Emanuel Beautiful will be affiliated with the Keep Georgia Beautiful program and will require an application fee of $3,500 and annual dues of $170, however, the County has already made promises to cover those costs because they believe in the efforts of this organization. She also presented a memorandum of understanding that basically explained the many projects that the group will be overseeing including, Operation Clean Sweep that will be held on Earth Day of every year, beginning this Earth Day, April 22. Ryan concluding her presentation by elaborating to Council and guests that there is no registration fee to become a member of KEB, they simply just need to participate and clean up trash 10 hours per year. The next meeting for Keep Emanuel Beautiful will be held on Thursday, February 16, at 5:30 at the County Office. Dumpsters have also been provided throughout our county to meet these efforts.
Kayla Williams, the children’s coordinator, and Wendy Ward, the manager, at Franklin Memorial Library addressed the council regarding “National Take a Walk in the Park Day,” that is observed every year on March 30th. Her request was to initiate an annual celebration for this holiday to be held at one of our community parks every year on this day. The vote for this request passed.
Verdell Brinson addressed the council about safety issues surrounding hunting on private property. Police Chief Randy Ellison advised that he would be in contact with property owners for more information and resolution. Chief Ellison also addressed council to consider hiring Jacob Wheeler for the vacant Police Officer position available. Council agreed with the hiring pending completion of all training qualifications. Chris Morton with Clear Water Solutions presented quotes for installation of an additional car lift at the city shop. Recommendation was passed by council. Morton also requested the sale of surplus items at auction which was also passed by council.
Mayor Bennett presented quotes for the annual city audit. Low bid was approved from Lanier Deal Proctor and Blocker. Councilperson Parker presented a petition from residents in his district regarding road paving. Parker was advised that requested action would be taken to accelerate that project. Parker addressed pay for part-time workers. Council tabled further discussions.
Mayor Bennett discussed fleet management plans and discussion was held regarding a workshop to address details. Council voted to adopt a resolution dealing with “Re-Statement with Work Week and Work Period for Non-Exempt City Employees; Overtime Hours.” The vote passed unanimously.
Council voted to convene an executive session dealing with personnel. Following executive session council entertained discussion regarding hiring of a City Administrator. In a somewhat chaotic session, various motions were made in support of two applicants. At one point a motion was made and seconded to hire Mr. Middlebrooks. Councilmembers Davis, Sconyers and Stafford voted not to pass the motion, Parker and Quarterman voted in favor. Councilperson Collins abstained. With no majority vote for either decision, the issue remains in confusion with no hiring taking place.
