Pre Council Meeting   

May 4, 2010 

6:00pm 

Meeting called to order by Mayor Harley at 6:04pm.   

Present were Mayor John R. Harley, Councilman Randall Wright, Councilman Edward Tucker, and Councilman Robert Smith, Jr.  Also present City Administrator Patrick Eidson and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings.  Absent: Councilman Cameron Andrews, prior commitment. 

Ordinance amendment – Sections 204 &405 (Budget adoptions and amendments by resolution):  City Administrator Eidson stated that this was an administrative error. The city recently did a recodification to the code; changed the resolution method to the ordinance.  City Attorney Tydings informed that this does not require two readings.   

Energy Among Us v. City of Centerville – adoption of settlement agreement: Mayor Harley stated that this is the adoption of settlement agreement re: Energy Among Us.  Mayor Harley asked if there was any discussion; no comments made by Council.  The formal adoption of agreement will be at the May 4, 2010 Regular Council Meeting.  No action or motion taken.  

Ordinance Amendment - Rescission of City Ordinance 85-1 (Section 6-1, Centerville Code of Ordinances):  City Attorney Tydings informed Mayor and Council that this is the second step finalization of the prior agenda item.  This would repeal Ordinance 85-1 Section 6-1.  The ordinance would become effective immediately upon adoption. 

Approval of Invoice for Title Work – Margie Drive Right of Way Acquisition – GLP Title and Abstract Company:  City Administrator Eidson provided invoices from GLP Title /Abstractor included in the Governing Authorities packets total $1,176.75.  City Administrator Eidson will be seeking approval in the Regular Council Meeting. The invoices are in conjunction with the Margie Rd project.   Designation of where funds will be allocated.  Expenditure could come from the General Fund or the SPLOST project (Margie Road project).  Mayor Harley asked Mr. Eidson his recommendation.   City Administrator Eidson recommended paying from the General Funds Contingency due to the small amount.  City Attorney Tydings stated there will be some legal cost and individual purchase of agreements from right of ways at the end of the month; each item would be brought before Mayor and Council for approval.  Mayor Harley stated that he appreciated everyone who worked on the project. 

Houston County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Resolution: Mayor Harley reported that the Houston County Commissioners passed the Resolution this morning.  City Administrator Eidson stated that this is a mandated update in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which calls for a 5 year update of the plan.  The only significant difference is the county-wide early (siren) warning system has been installed (action item).  This change was noted in the new document; therefore that particular action item is complete. 

FY 2010 – 2011 Budget Sub-Committee Update: Councilman Tucker stated that this has been a rough/stressful process for all involved.  He stated that the City is definitely seeing the effects of the economic downturn.  The city is currently looking at a short fall of about a half a million dollars.  Councilman Tucker mentioned that the citizens were upset last year about the Council’s proposal to raise taxes.   Tonight the Council needs to discuss some options including a proposed 1 mil increase and a percentage (per gallon) water and sewer rate increase.  Councilman Tucker emphasized that this is purely for discussion purposes at this time.  This is a 10-15 year old problem that hasn’t been addressed by the Governing Authority, now playing catch up due to adopting the rollback rate year after year without taking into account how it would affect finances in future years.  Councilman Tucker is trying to find a way to present the needs and proposal to the public with the possibility of a small increase so it will not be a detriment to their livelihood.  The budget sub-committee (Councilman Tucker/ Smith) will be meeting again with Department Heads on Thursday to look at additional budget cuts.  

2001 SPLOST Expenditures: Councilman Tucker $4,702.00 with the remaining balance 2001 SPLOST fund. There are (2) items that we are seeking to purchase:  stapler component in the City Clerk’s Office ($1,200.00) and Lap top for the Municipal Court Clerk ($1,113.00).  The funds can only be expended for items at City Hall for improvement. 

Phase Two Sentry Oaks Sanitary Sewer Extension Contract Award:  City Administrator Eidson provided letter from Rick Saunders (Engineer on Project) dated April 30, 2010.  The Phase II project was advertised and open for bid.  City Administrator Eidson stated there were (3) companies that submitted bid proposals: Rockdale Pipeline, Pyles Plumbing, and Three Kings Company.  The low bid was $328,029.75 (Rockdale Pipeline).  City Attorney Tydings reported that a full financials were ran on all (3) contractors, all were acceptable based on their financials.  They are all bondable, which is a minimum level of qualification to bid on the project.  There is no reason to disqualify low bidder.   

Fire Truck Transfers to The Historical and Preservation Commission of Centerville, Georgia: Mayor Harley reported that this is basically housekeeping to transfer ownership of fire trucks.  City Attorney Tydings asked who will sign the document from the group.  Councilman Wright informed everyone that Frank Wadsworth is out of town.  The agreement is drafted to include both fire trucks.  City Attorney Tydings will meet with Mr. Wadsworth when he returns to execute agreement.  Agreement does include 1945 and 1970 fire trucks.  Councilman Smith wanted to make sure the 1945 is voted on in the Regular Council Meeting. 

Discussion: FY 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application: City Administrator Eidson stated that the fire department is requesting approval to submit a grant application.  Fire Chief Jones asked for approval from Mayor and Council to apply for grant.  If the City is awarded the grant, then the following equipment will be purchased: 5 inch hoses to include adapters that will connect to truck and fire hydrants.  The 5 inch hose will replace 2 inch hose.  This will have a positive effect on the City’s ISO rating and will bring the City into compliance with requirements for our Mutual Aid agreement with Warner Robins.  City Administrator Eidson will be asking for authorization at the Regular Council meeting for the following: 5 % match responsibility ($1750), request technical assistance from the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, to apply for the grant and to expend the ($1750) for the match component. 

Work Ready Program Acknowledgement Form: City Administrator Eidson stated that Houston County has a work ready program.  Part of this program affords the opportunity for applicants to go to Middle Georgia Technical College and take a test to assess their level of work-readiness.  Selecting a level of participation in the Work Ready Program would give the City “work ready employer” status.  City Administrator Eidson has talked this over with the City Attorney.  Mr. Eidson recommended participating at the first level of program participation.  

Discussion: Keep Centerville Beautiful Affiliate: Mayor Harley stated that the city is in the process of reviewing the status of KCB and is looking at the benefits that re-organizing would offer to the city. City Attorney Tydings stated that it is important to give careful consideration to appointments to the board and their desire and dedication to serve on the committee.  There was some general discussion about placing an advertisement to assess community interest in serving on the committee or to volunteer in this area.  City Administrator Eidson stated that Governing Authority needs to determine if they want to pay for past dues to continue the KCB.   City Administrator Eidson seeking guidance/ direction from Mayor and Council. 

Meeting adjourned at 6:37pm. 

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Mayor John R. Harley 

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Attest by:  City Clerk Krista Bedingfield 

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