OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE OXFORD MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2008 – 7:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY CENTER, OXFORD, NEWTON, GEORGIA
MEMBERS PRESENT: JERRY D. ROSEBERRY, MAYOR; GEORGE R. HOLT, MAYOR PRO-TEM; COUNCIL MEMBERS: HOYT P. OLIVER; FRANK J. DAVIS; EMMA LOU PATTERSON; TERRY A. SMITH; AND JAMES H. WINDHAM
ALSO PRESENT: C. DAVID STRICKLAND, CITY ATTORNEY; CLARK MILLER, POLICE CHIEF; JASON STRIBLING; FIRE CHIEF; COREY EVERETT; DOUGLAS LOVE; MICHAEL DALE; VIRGIL EADY; CLAUDE AND EVA SITTON; JOHN P. GODFREY, JR.; NORBERT THOMPSON; ERIK OLIVER; LATRELLE OLIVER; AND TYLER SMITH, COVINGTON NEWS
The February regular session of the Mayor and Council was called to order by the Honorable Jerry D. Roseberry, Mayor, and invocation given by Councilman Hoyt Oliver.
Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Smith, seconded by Oliver for the approval of the minutes of the January 7, 2008 Mayor and Council Meeting. The Council vote unanimous.
Corey Everett – 85 Artie Court
Mr. Everett came before the Mayor and Council with a concern for his January water and sewer bill in the amount of $649.79. Mr. Everett informed the members that his monthly bill averaged $65.00.
Councilman Smith informed Everett that he would research the billing information and then give him a response.
Douglas Love – 1219 Godfrey Street
Mr. Love reported that he was followed last Sunday from Mitchell Street to Old Oxford Road by an Oxford Police Vehicle. Love also reported that the officer pulled him over and issued a warning ticket for speeding. Love stated he felt he was being racially profiled. Love asked “Is this type of action what you expected for your citizens?”
Mayor Roseberry stated the City of Oxford will not tolerate discrimination on the part of any employee, especially the police, and any employee guilty of such behavior will be disciplined. Roseberry then called on Chief Miller to speak.
Chief Miller assured Mr. Love that he would investigate this complaint and follow up with him. Miller also stated that he had recently encouraged the officers to slow traffic. Miller will also continue to monitor the officers work.
MAYOR &. COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
PAGE 2
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Members McCanless and Eady were authorized to inspect 170 Longstreet Circle for conformance with setback requirements and approve the developmental permit if in compliance.
Chairman Eady was authorized to remind Mr. and Mrs. Gadilhe, 1018 Emory Street, and Mr. and Mrs. Nanette Watson, 1008 Emory Street that before they sell the house recently constructed behind the Gadilhe house, a permanent easement or right of way to the property would be required.
Recommendation to the City Council to issue a citation to the owner of 118 East Clark Street for non-conformance with zoning regulations.
Member Oliver was authorized to investigate the timbering and earth work recently begun on two previously undeveloped lots on East Richardson Street owned by Todd Christian. Oliver also met with Newton County permit and inspections department and they are working together on developing a new application to meet both entities requirements for construction.
The Commission recommends Chairman Eady be included as a member of the committee carrying forward the planning, design, and construction process of the proposed new city hall building (annex).
Terms of Ron Manson and Jim Patrick expired in 07-Dec.
Vacancies
A motion was made by Oliver, seconded by Windham for the reappointment of Ron Manson and Jim Patrick to the Planning Commission for a three (3) year term. The Council vote unanimous.
POLICE REPORT-CHIEF MILLER
A burglary reported at 202 Fletcher Street has now been solved. Portions of the Branham stolen property has been recovered and portions of the property has been reported as having been sold.
The department responded to a party at Oxford College with several citations written for under age drinking.
The department responded to a fight at College Walk Apartments.
GENERAL
Record Retention
Mayor Roseberry recommended the Council consider adopting the Secretary of States “Record Retention Schedule for Local Governments.” Further discussion will be heard at the February work session.
MAYOR &. COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
PAGE 3
Mutual Aid Intergovernmental Agreements
Mayor Roseberry suggested that the Council consider adoption of Mutual Aid Intergovernmental Agreements for emergency response calls. Further discussion will be heard at the February work session. Also, Homeland Security requires municipalities to have these agreements in place in order to receive any funding.
February Work Session
The February Work Session is scheduled for Monday, February 18th beginning at 6:00 p.m.
FINANCE
INVOICE APPROVAL
|
VENDOR |
DESCRIPTION |
AMOUNT |
|
City of Covington |
Natural Gas Billing |
$1,250.93 |
|
City of Covington |
Sewer Treatment Fees |
4,562.91 |
|
East Metro Development |
12” Water Main Moore St. |
15,000.00 |
|
GMEBS/Retirement Fund |
Employees Retirement-Jan |
5,559.59 |
|
Hightower Engineers |
Prof. Service/Water-Dec |
4,675.00 |
|
N.C. Cornish Creek |
Water Purchase-Dec |
12,111.00 |
|
N.C. Bd. Of Commissioners |
Landfill Fees-Dec |
1,270.50 |
|
N.C. W/S Authority |
Sewer Treatment Fees-Dec |
6,622.98 |
|
Northeast Georgia RDC |
10 yr. Comprehensive Plan |
2,228.24 |
|
Snapper Pro-Lawn |
Hose-Leaf Vacuum Truck |
1,269.98 |
|
United Health Care of Ga |
Employee Health Ins.-Feb |
7,515.58 |
|
U.S. Dept. of Energy |
SEPA Power-Dec |
4,034.50 |
|
Utility Service Co., Inc. |
Water Tower Maintenance |
2,053.18 |
|
Woco Pep Oil Company |
Gasoline Purchase-Jan |
4,042.84 |
A motion was made by Oliver, seconded by Holt for approval. The Council vote five (5) yes, with Windham abstaining. The motion carried.
Telecommunication Management
A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Oliver to approve annual membership fees with the Georgia Municipal Association for Cable and Telecommunications Management Services at a cost of $1,107.00. The Council vote unanimous.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
A motion was made by Holt, seconded by Davis to approve the annual renewal of workers’ compensation insurance with the Georgia Municipal Association in the amount of $22,109.00. The Council vote unanimous.
MAYOR &. COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
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Purchasing Policies
Holt asked the members to review the existing purchasing policies and prepare for discussion at the February work session.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Adoption of a Standard Operating Procedure: Personal Vehicle Operations was deferred until review of the City Attorney.
TREE BOARD
Arbor Day
Arbor Day is scheduled for Saturday, February 16th beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the George Street Park.
SANITATION
Resolution-Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Management Plan
A motion was made by Oliver, seconded by Windham to adopt a resolution to submit the draft of the Multi-Jurisdictional Solid Waste Management Plan for Newton County, to the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center for review and approval. The Council vote unanimous.
PLANNING
Committee
A motion was made by Oliver, seconded by Windham to appoint the following citizens to serve as representatives for the city during future planning meetings with Oxford College: Jerry Roseberry, Terry Smith, Jim Windham, David Eady, Judy Greer, and J.P. Godfrey. The Council vote unanimous.
CITY’S WEB
Michael Dale, student, introduced a working web site for the city with added features such as: 1.) Search index for minutes recorded back to 2003; 2.) Community Calendar; 3.) Joint mailing list; 4.) Mayor’s blog; and 5.) e-mail addresses for all members of the board.
STREETS
Mitchell Street
A motion was made by Davis, seconded by Windham to hire a surveyor to determine the right-of-way on Mitchell Street. The Council vote unanimous.
MAYOR &. COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
PAGE 5
Speed Deterrents
Councilman Davis asked why the speed deterrents crossing Stone Street, Moore Street, and West Soule Street could not be reduced to a size of lesser cost than the one that was placed on Moore Street at the soccer field? Further discussion will be heard at the February work session.
The Council discussed the need for barriers at George Street and West Clark Street. The consensus of the members was to install a split rail material. No action taken.
AD VALOREM
Councilman Davis presented an Act for consideration which would provide for a homestead exemption for residents of the city who occupy their homes in the amount of $20,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead. Discussion will continue at the work session.
UTILITIES/PUBLIC WORKS
Competitive Trust Authorization
A motion was made by Windham, seconded by Holt to adopt a resolution for the authorization of Jerry D. Roseberry, Mayor, and Terry A. Smith, Council Member to communicate city decisions with respect to the Trust by jointly executing written directions to the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and the Trustee. The Council vote unanimous.
Reserve Power
The Council continues discussion of future needs for reserve power in long term planning. No action taken.
Peaking Power
Councilman Smith informed the members that the city purchased $61,000.00 of peaking power in 2006 and $131,000.00 in 2007. Smith also stated that the supplemental power purchase contract from West Georgia Generating Company consisted of the purchase and sale of the capacity and energy and ancillary service provided by the dual fuel electric generating facility consisting of one or, or both, Units 1 and 2 (General Electric 7FA combustion turbine in a simple cycle configuration) located in Thomaston, Georgia. Each of Units 1 and 2 is rated at 150 MWs of capacity. Participants subscription totaled 199MW. Since Participant subscriptions did not meet or exceed the levels required for two units, the West Georgia Transaction has been reduced to Unit 1 (150 MW) and each subscribing Participant has been allocated an Entitlement Share pursuant to Section 1(b) of the Supplemental Contract. This allocation resulted in each subscribing Participant
MAYOR &. COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
PAGE 6
Peaking Power continued:
receiving approximately 75% of the capacity requested. The City of Oxford’s allocated Entitlement Share is 0.5015% (752 kW). The Supplemental Contract contains certain other anticipated terms that are dependent on the final terms of the Tolling Agreement, between MEAG Power and the Supplier, and certain of such terms have changed due, in part, to the decision to contract respecting only Unit 1 of the Facility due to the level of Participant subscriptions. First, the Capacity Payment was increased $0.15 per kW per month to $3.80 per kW per month or $45.60 per kW year. Also, because of the environmental liability associated with oil storage tanks, the Supplier is required to maintain ownership of the oil and agree to pay the associated carrying charges as part of the fixed monthly charge. With the reduction to one unit these costs are carried by half the capacity as originally planned and, therefore, result in a higher cost per kW, but not an increase in total cost. Modification has also been made to change the termination date from April 30, 2030 to April 30, 2029 and the fixed charges and variable charges that provide for escalation to escalate annually on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 2%, whichever is greater.
Discussion followed with suggestions that the city retract the agreement for the purchase of additional peaking power and begin setting aside some of the competitive trust funds to be used for peaking power when needed rather than obligate the city for a twenty year debt with uncertainties of needs. A motion followed by Smith, seconded by Holt to rescind the motion of January for the purchase of additional peaking power from West Georgia Generating Company. The Council vote unanimous.
Level 5 Drought
The Council will discuss measures at the next work session for imposing penalties to water use violators during level 5 drought period.
Cook Road Water Line Expansion
Smith reported that the City of Oxford, Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority, Hubert White and Greyland Developers are working on plans to extend a 12” water line north on Cook Road to Sockwell Road. Oxford’s responsibility will be from the intersection of Moore Street and Cook Road north extending 400” past the last existing hydrant.
BUILDINGS
Community Center Use
The Council will work to develop guidelines for the use of the Oxford Community Center.
MAYOR &. COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
PAGE 7
City Hall Improvements
A motion was made by Windham, seconded by Holt to move forward with plans to proceed with the investigation process for developing a design for current and future needs of a city hall complex. The Council vote unanimous.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL
A motion was made by Windham, seconded by Davis for a brief executive session to discuss personnel. The Council vote unanimous.
PERSONNEL
Lauran Willis
A motion was made by Oliver, on behalf of the Personnel Committee, to continue the employment of Lauran Willis at a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week with benefits. The City Clerk shall have the authority to extend her hours up to forty (40) per week as needed. The title, job description, and salary will be determined subsequently. Effective date -January 1, 2008. The motion was seconded by Holt. The Council vote unanimous.
There being no further business or discussion, a motion was made by Smith, seconded by Windham to adjourn at 10:25 p.m. The council vote unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol A. Poole
City Clerk, CMC
| Attachment | Size |
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| FEBRUARY 2008.doc | 66 KB |