by WHITLEY CLIFTON
Members of Swainsboro City Council and Mayor Greg Bennett convened for a meeting on Tuesday, September 6, at 6 p.m. at the city hall. The meeting was called to order and Pastor Andrew Flowers of Eastwood Church of God gave the invocation that was followed by the pledge of allegiance. Minutes from the August 15 meeting of City Council were presented for review. Johnny Ray Stafford made first motion for approval of minutes and was seconded by Julian Sconyers, with all remaining council voting accordingly. Prior to entertaining the night’s session, SPD Chief Randy Ellison read new city council objectives establishing protocol and regulations for conduct of the public in attendance during council meetings. Councilman Sconyers then requested an agenda change for the meeting be made to allow Dr. H. Kemp Jones opportunity to address council. This request passed on a 5 – 1 vote.
In reference to old business
• Council approved an alcoholic beverage license application for Julian Cortez Cruz dba La Rosita Mexican Restaurant, located at 206 West Moring Street.
• Council presented nominated names for the City of Swainsboro’s Tree Board Committee. These names included: KE McNeal, DJ Davis, Bruce Kirby and Lige Moore. Other names included in discussion were Randy Snellgrove and Melissa Kirby.
• Council revisited concerns with the humane society and advised that the septic issue should be resolved that week and a new line installed. City Attorney Jon Levis also addressed fostering animals to relieve overcrowding at the shelter and advised that fostering is allowed but has to abide by certain guide lines to be in compliance with Georgia law. He further suggested that the shelter and society provide proposal/draft contract for the city and county to review.
• Dr. Kemp Jones addressed council on the citizens’ rights to vote for Sunday alcohol sales, urging council to allow the voters to make the decision.
In reference to new business
• Chris Morton with Clearwater Solutions would like to address council regarding BIO solids hauling work performed with Allgreens. He provided numbers and data to council for review before proposing changes take place to save the city money and to not continue overpaying for services. Following his presentation, council advised Morton to further look into options and prices with other companies as well as any current or existing contracts between Allgreens and the city.
• Council approved an advertisement request for an alcoholic beverage license application for Shaishav Patel Cruz dba A & D Mart LLC located at 504 East Main Street.
• Michael Bright addressed council regarding on-going flooding issues at the Main Street Market and old Food Pantry Building. Levis advised approaching the DDA on the matter for a proposal to be made being they are property owners.
• Debbie Dubberly with Durden Hudson Mortuary addressed council regarding a storm drainage issue. She briefed council on issues experienced in the past after a 2016 storm as well as current issues and expenses which she has again faced after the April 2022 storms that passed through Swainsboro. She advised of having contact with the city’s new administrator Melissa Kirby and Mayor Bennett several times on the most recent damages and received no help due to easement-related concerns. She again asked City officials for help to remedy the problem which was affecting 3 downtown businesses and stressed the need for timely action on the part of the City.
• Fire Chief Strobridge presented a quote of $4,000 for uniforms and portable radios for two new hires, an additional quote in the approximate amount of $5,900 for pagers, and $1,500 for the purchase of 14 Guardian Angel Safey Lights. These presented quote purchases were approved by council.
• Fire Chief Strobridge then discussed a roof leak at the Fire Headquarters that needs attention. Council approved the award of this job to the lowest bidder, Wes Scarboro.
• City Administrator presented a contract with Appalachian Mountain Services, Inc. to council for the collection of delinquent ad valorem taxes for the City of Swainsboro. This topic will be tabled until the next meeting of council.
• Council made a final change to the agenda to allow Ida McMillan time to address council on city property 417 Lewis Street. It was advised that the legal process requires bids to be accepted on property before a decision on final ownership can be made. Council will revisit the matter again soon.
Executive Session
Council then entertained motion for executive session that received a 3 – 3 vote. Mayor Bennet broke the tie by voting to enter executive session. At the time of press, no information has been received from the city on items for discussion and action that followed.
View Live footage from Tuesday’s meeting by visiting https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffb.watch%2FfwiJwGObIq%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2bQcAvjRpXlNGZVqhR3aBgJTr3adjaQdodaRsyslUqYhcLhcyx6lloJRI&h=AT0THfhhzbZLHc7rVjkG-j2dxZSebuBQHpYla_Yr6qVZRa5eWiMSmqzkEBlx0gsAthBZPVZfV_EZVnpfPVdGYQ90L8hITFPTf_IbMcbfHn1NueK60DPMYrJcJqkhKKGe1x_pMIQJ.
