City Council Minutes June 4, 2018 Regular Session

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry D. Roseberry, Mayor; and Councilmembers: George Holt; Jim Windham; David Eady; Mike Ready; Jeff Wearing, and Sarah Davis.

OTHERS PRESENT: Matt Pepper, Assistant City Manager; Dave Harvey, Chief; Stacey Mullen, Deputy City Clerk; David Strickland, City Attorney; Jody Reid, Superintendent; Hoyt Oliver, Teresa Welch, Darryl Welch, Cheryl Ready, Allyson Epps from Oxford College, Mike Besaw, Peggy Madden, Juanita Carson, Anderson Wright.

The meeting was called to order by the Hon. Jerry D. Roseberry, Mayor

Invocation was delivered by Hoyt Oliver
Pledge of Allegiance – All

Agenda Amendment
Mayor Roseberry requested to amend the agenda to add the MEAG Power Bond Validation for approval of their rebounding projects 1-4, at no cost to the city.

Motion was made by Mike Ready, seconded by Jeff Wearing to accept the amendment of the agenda. Motion passed 7/0.

Motion was made by Jim Windham, seconded by Mike Ready to accept the Agenda for the June 4, 2018 Mayor and Council Regular Meeting. Motion passed 7/0.    (Attachment A)

CONSENT AGENDA
Approved, 7/0.  (Attachment B)

Mayors Reports

Mayor Roseberry gave acknowledgement on behalf of J.P. Godfrey, who submitted a letter of gratitude to Chief Harvey for his service in assisting Mr. Godfrey during an accident, which involved him taking a fall at his home.  Chief Harvey was first on the scene to render aid to Mr. Godfrey and also stayed with his wife, Mary until Mr. Godfrey was evacuated.  On behalf of the Council, Mayor Roseberry also thanked Chief Harvey for his daily efforts of service.  

Planning Commission Recommendations/Petitions
None

Citizens’ Concerns
Juanita Carson (1223 Wesley Street) expressed her concerns for the protection of honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators as it relates to their reproduction and beneficial contribution to the environment.  She believes pollinators’ existence has largely decreased, due to poor development and lack of nourishment stemming from chemical agents used to eliminate insects, as well as those used for maintenance or the treatment of lawns.

MEAG Power Bond Validation
MEAG Power submitted a validation petition seeking approval from all of their 49 participants.  This approval will allow MEAG Power to increase its bonding capacity for their projects 1-4, to take advantage of fluctuating interest rates, issuing refinancing bonds- which will lower MEAG Power’s overall debt service costs.  The City of Oxford’s share of project costs will remain the same as established in the respected power sales contract; however, by reducing MEAG Power’s overall costs, the benefits will flow directly to the cities. 

A motion was made by Mike Ready, seconded by Jeff Wearing to approve the bond validation petition. The motion passed 7/0.

First Reading of an Ordinance Change for Sec. 20-1.-Disorderly Conduct

Chief Harvey explained the need for the ordinance change to allow for Section 20-1 Disorderly Conduct cases to be heard in Oxford Municipal Court.  Currently, such cases would require a warrant, which also requires the case to be transferred and heard at Newton County Superior Court.  The proposed amendment will require a second reading and vote.   (Attachment C)

Operating Budget and Capital Budget for FY2019
The operating budget and capital budget resolution was presented for approval for fiscal year 2019.

A motion was made by George Holt, seconded by Jim Windham to approve the operation budget and capital budget for fiscal year 2019. The motion passed 7/0.   (Attachment Da & Db)

 
Building Inspection Fee Schedule
Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper presented the revised building inspection fee schedule for residential and commercial construction within the city.
A motion was made by Jeff Wearing, seconded by George Holt to approve the building inspection fee schedule. The motion passed 7/0.   (Attachment E)

Contract for Building Inspection Services
Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper presented the building inspection service contract to Council with a recommendation that Council approve the contract for building inspection services to Bureau Veritas.
A motion was made by David Eady, seconded by Sarah Davis to approve the contract with Bureau Veritas for building inspection services. Motion passed 7/0. (Attachment F)

Resolution to Amend the Employee Handbook
Mayor Roseberry presented the resolution to amend Part 4: Employee Benefits of the Employee Handbook to allow eligibility for new hires to participate in the city’s health care plan upon hire date.  The amendment will include an effective date of May 1, 2018.
A motion was made by David Eady, seconded by George Holt to approve the resolution to amend the handbook to allow new hires to be covered under the city’s health care plan immediately upon hire date. The motion was passed 7/0.(Attachment G)

Emory Street Sewer Project
Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper gave an update on the FY2018 Capital Budget which includes $550,000 for a sewer main install along Emory Street. Based on the three bids received, he recommended that Council award the purchase order to Site Engineering, Inc for $991,146.; The project will be funded from our GEFA loan and 2017 SPLOST allocations.
A motion was made by Mike Ready, seconded by David Eady to accept the bid from Site Engineering, Inc in the amount of $991,146. The motion was passed 7/0. (Attachment H)

Street Resurfacing Project
Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper presented the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Newton County to Council for approval of the resurfacing and deep patching on Mitchell Street, E. Bonnell Street and Wentworth Drive.  The estimated project cost is $50,000. This project will be completed with city funds combined with monies from the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (2018 LMIG). The city will supply asphalt, with Newton County providing labor and equipment for the completion of the project.
A motion was made by Jim Windham, seconded by David Eady to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Newton County. The motion was passed 7/0.  (Attachment I)

Grand Marshal for July 4th
Councilmember Sarah Davis presented Grace Budd-Spradley for nomination approval as Grand Marshal for the July 4^th Parade.
A motion was made by David Eady, seconded by Jeff Wearing for approval of Grace Budd-Spradley for nomination as Grand Marshal for the July 4^th Parade.  The motion was passed 7/0.

INVOICES OVER $1,000.00 

Motion was made by George Holt, seconded by Sarah Davis, to approve invoices. The motion was passed 7/0.

Executive Session
A motion was made by Mike Ready, seconded by Jeff Wearing to go into an Executive Session at 7:37 PM.

Council discussed personnel matters.

A motion was made by Mike Ready, seconded by Jeff Wearing to leave the Executive Session at 7:42 PM.

A motion was made by Mike Ready, seconded by Jeff Wearing to renew the contract for Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper for FY2019, with a the salary increase from 45K to 50K, and a title change from Assistant City Manager to City Manager.  Motion passed 7/0.

A motion was made by Jim Windham, seconded by Mike Ready to adjourn at 7:44 PM.

Respectfully Submitted;