MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Jerry D. Roseberry; Councilmembers: Jim Windham, Jeff Wearing, Sarah Davis, David Eady, and Mike Ready. Councilmember George Holt was not present.
OTHERS PRESENT: Matt Pepper, City Manager; Dave Harvey, Police Chief; Connie Middlebrooks, City Clerk; Jody Reid, Utility Superintendent; Hoyt Oliver; Erik Oliver; Anderson Wright; Art and Laurie Vinson; Cheryl Ready; Nick Cole; Melissa Hage; Laura Gafnea; Kaitlyn Jett, Covington News.
Agenda (Attachment A)
1. Mayor’s Announcements
Mayor Roseberry reminded Council of the retirement celebration scheduled to honor Jim Dove and Mott Beck. The celebration will be held Thursday, June 20, 2019 at the Holiday Inn in Athens from 2 pm – 4 pm.
2. 107 W. Clark Street Renovation Project
Councilmember Wearing informed Council that the committee had met with Carter Watkins Associates Architects Inc. on Thursday June 13, 2019. The firm confirmed that the house is structurally sound, and the committee is waiting on the recommendations from Carter Watkins regarding how to proceed with the renovations. Councilmember Wearing requested that anyone with information on the history of the house please contact him.
3. Town Center Development
Councilmember Ready advised Council of the intentions of the DDA to contract with Historical Concepts to develop a plan to incorporate the Yarbrough House, the city greenspace, and the post office into a mixed-use development.
4. City Park Update
Matt informed the Council of the progress of the new city park. The playground equipment is being erected and should reach completion in 4 – 5 days. The park’s grand opening is scheduled for July 13, 2019 at 11:30 am.
5. Environmental Study Committee
Mayor Roseberry appointed Councilmember Windham to chair the environmental study committee. Councilmember Holt will also sit on the committee. Windham and Holt will select citizens to serve on the committee. The mayor requested that the committee present their recommendations at the October 7, 2019 Regular Session.
6. Other Business
Mr. Erik Oliver, President of the Oxford Historical Society, reminded Council and citizens of the upcoming Historical Society Picnic on July 3, 2019. The picnic will be held at Old Church at 6:30 pm. There is an open invitation to all who would like to attend and bring a covered dish. Councilmember Windham addressed Council on why the city never runs advertisements in the Georgia Connector Magazine under calendar events. He expressed his concerned that the city may be missing out on an opportunity to advertise upcoming events such as the July 4th Parade and the grand opening of the new city park.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:16 pm.
Special Called Meeting called to order 6:16 pm.
Mayor Roseberry discussed with Council the terms to which the five municipalities had agreed regarding the intergovernmental agreements with Newton County for the following services: Consecutive Water System, Tax Collection, Animal Control and Sheltering, Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful and jail services. Mayor Roseberry suggested Council accept the terms of these agreements.
Motion to accept – Ready – Second – Wearing; approved unanimous 6/0.
Councilmember Windham suggested Council address Chief Harvey’s concerns regarding the agreement with the Sheriff’s department for housing inmates. The Mayor informed Council the city will meet with the Sheriff’s department about the concerns at a later date.
Motion to Adjourn Special Called Meeting – Windham – Second – Davis. Unanimous 6/0.
Adjourned: 6:25 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Connie D. Middlebrooks
City Clerk