City of Swainsboro names Peebles Hometown Hero for month of March

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Swainsboro City Council and Mayor Charles Schwabe convened for their regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. in the classroom of Swainsboro Fire Department on Monday, March 1. Calling the meeting to order, Mayor Schwabe welcomed all present before asking Ashley Roberson, Jesus Saves Church youth pastor, to lead the night’s invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited by all.
First on the agenda was the March 2021 Hometown Hero Award, which was awarded to Christine Peebles. A video presentation featuring loved ones highlighted the reasons for Peebles being the recent recipient, including leading a recent large Crider poultry donation to the community. Kind words were spoken by Mayor Charles Schwabe, and a Crider employee spoke on behalf of Peebles, who was grateful for the recognition.
Minutes from the last council meeting were then read and approved.
New business
Council approved a resolution to authorize the submitting of a 2021 CDBG.
Randall Snellgrove addressed concerns with road pavement and repair, neighborhood speeding and reckless drivers, installing signage, use of radar within the area as well as the suggested appearance of more law enforcement and concerns with the tint level applied on law enforcement vehicles. All concerns were addressed by council, mayor, City Administrator Al Lawson, and Swainsboro Police Chief Randy Ellison in detailed manner and explanations.
Alexander B. Archie then addressed concerns with road pavement, contracting local businesspeople like himself for possible upcoming projects, the issuance of warnings by code enforcement.
A second reading of the Occupation Taxes, Adm. Fees, and Regulatory fees ordinance amendment. A public hearing on the matter will be held at an upcoming meeting.
Committee reports:
Chief Ellison addressed council with moving SPD Officer Kayleigh McVey from part-time staff to full-time. He also addressed council with sending two new hires, Tyler McCarty and Cheyenne Blalock, to attend the police academy in April. The requests were unanimously approved by council. Lastly, Chief Ellison addressed councilmembers with a proposal on communications. He stated that the department was in need of upgrading its communication system. Using SPLOST funding, council approved the purchase request on a five-year term of approximately $13,000 per year.
Swainsboro Fire Department Chief Mike Strobridge addressed council with a request to purchase new chairs for the fire department. The current chairs pose a safety issue and the replacement chairs will hold the capacity of 500 lbs. The $5,000 purchase of 40 chairs was approved by council.
Other news
City Administrator Lawson addressed council with a grant writer request as well as the hiring of G. Ben Turnipseed for engineering projects. Both matters were unanimously approved by council.
Mayor Schwabe provided an update on the recent VFW and American Legion celebration, spoke briefly on planning a bicentennial celebration to honor the city of Swainsboro’s establishment in 2022, advising interested parties to contact Lynn Brinson in regards to being a part of the planning committee; and briefly spoke on the progress of the the Barbara & Tobe Karrh Community Center and the Community Action for Youth Gymnasium on Gumlog. He also advised that Councilperson Ricky Stevens was currently medically excused from meetings at this time.
Councilperson John E. Parker thanked all for the support received after the loss of his father and inquired on property donated to the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Bobbi Collins commended the Swainsboro Animal Shelter staff for their dedication to the local community.
Mayor Schwabe and Chief Ellison also commended Code Enforcement Officer Bobby McCoy for his services.