City Council Minutes June 18, 2018 Work Session

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry D. Roseberry, Mayor; and Councilmembers: George Holt; David Eady; Jeff Wearing, and Sarah Davis. Councilmembers Jim Windham and Mike Ready were not in attendance.

OTHERS PRESENT: Matt Pepper, Assistant City Manager; Dave Harvey, Chief; Lauran Willis, City Clerk; Stacey Mullen, Deputy City Clerk; Jody Reid, Superintendent; Hoyt Oliver, Teresa Welch, Darryl Welch, Allyson Epps from Oxford College, Anderson Wright, Erik Oliver, James Waddey, Jill McGiboney, Mark McGiboney, Don Henderson, Mary Carter, Hal Chitwood with Bureau Veritas, Tammy Wood, Chau Nguyen from Electric Cities of Georgia.  

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

Agenda   (Attachment A)

Honorary Councilmember of the Month
Mayor Roseberry introduced Melissa Hage as Honorary Councilmember for June.

Mayor’s Announcements

Mayor Roseberry gave an update report from the Police Department for the Month of May.

East Clark Street Development
Mark McGiboney, the Chair of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) presented a design concept for the E. Clark Street Development prepared by Historical Concepts.  To conclude Mark said that Mr. Frank Turner Jr. is working on the RFP and they will work with the City Engineer to develop the subdivision plat.  (Attachment B)

Roof-top-Solar Tariff
Councilmember Eady requested that Council discuss the city’s monthly fee for the use of distributed generation technologies including roof-top solar system.  Chau Nguyen with Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) gave an update in relation to the tariff currently in place versus the new mandated regulations.  There was no decision made regarding the electric rates.   (Attachment C)

International Building Code Adoption

Hal Chitwood with Bureau Veritas presented a copy and made recommendation to Council to adopt the International Building Code which meets all local and state requirements.  This item will be placed on the July 2 agenda for a first reading.  (Attachment D)

Handicap Ramp for Old Church
The Oxford Historical Shrine Society is requesting to install a handicap ramp at the front entrance of the Old Church. As planned, the ramp would be located in city right-of-way.  The Planning Commission recommends that Council approve the installation of the handicap ramp within the city right-of-way.  Mayor Roseberry said that the City Manager will research this further and obtain quotes and designs for the ramp to be presented at the July work session.  (Attachment E)

Oxford Square Subdivision Sign 

City Manager Matt Pepper presented results of a survey distributed to Oxford Square residents regarding the subdivision sign.  There were eight (8) total responses with six (6) in favor of the City repairing the sign. In answer to the residents forming a homeowners’ association (HOA) all eight (8) responses were “no”.  Council instructed Utility Superintendent Jody Reid to repair the sign and have it painted.  (Attachment F) 

Hands-Free Georgia Act
City Manager Matt Pepper said in response to the “Hands-Free Georgia Act being signed into law, we have reviewed the city’s current policy on the use of devices while operating a vehicle. We found that our current cell phone policy is in line with the measures of the “Hands-Free Georgia Act”.  Mayor Roseberry said we need to make sure we are practicing these requirements. After discussion it was agreed that the city will purchase blue-tooth devices and phone mounts for all maintenance vehicles and employees.  (Attachment G)

ECG Legislative and Regulatory Services

City Manager Matt Pepper said that Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) is offering legislative and regulatory services to its member cities. Chau Nguyen with ECG said this service will focus on current, proposed and pending state legislation that impacts member cities distribution systems. The estimated cost for this service is $873.  This item will be on the July 2 agenda for a vote.  (Attachment H)

107 W. Clark Street Renovation Project

Councilmember Jeff Wearing presented quotes from several contractors in relation to the roof repairs for the house and to demolish the breezeway.  Wearing requested a flat amount be set for the roof and drainage to be done as soon as possible.  Wearing will bring a breakdown of the proposals to the July 2 meeting for a vote.
(Attachment I)

Bids for Tree Removal on 107 W. Clark Street
Councilmember Windham requested that Council review the two bids received for the removal of the tree line located at the 107 W. Clark Street property.  Since Councilmember Windham was not present, this item will be moved to the July Work Session.  (Attachment J)

Mosquito Spray
Councilmember Windham requested that Council discuss the use of an environmentally-friendly alternative to spray for mosquitos.  This item was tabled for the next work session.

6153 Emory Street Property
The Trees, Parks and Recreation Board is seeking approval from Council to create a contest to solicit ideas from residents for the passive park planned for the property located at 6153 Emory Street.  All Council members present were in favor of this project.

A motion was made by Wearing, seconded by Davis to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.


Respectfully Submitted,

Lauran Willis, CMC/FOA
City Clerk