Regular Council Meeting
April 7, 2009

Meeting called to order by Mayor Edwards at 7:05pm.

Invocation given by Councilman Andrews.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Tucker.
Welcome extended to all by Mayor Edwards, recognizing Houston County Commissioner Jay Walker, Warner Robins Councilman Tom Simms, Jr., and local media (Houston Home Journal and Macon Telegraph).

Adoption of Minutes
·         March 3, 2009 Pre Council Meeting:  Motion made by Councilman Wright to adopt minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried.
·         March 3, 2009 Regular Council Meeting:  Motion made by Councilman Tucker to adopt minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried.
·         March 17, 2009 Council Work Session; Motion made by Councilman Wright to adopt minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried.

Proclamation: Proclaiming April as “White Cane Month”:   Mayor Edwards read proclamation and presented to J.C. Coefield, Centerville Lions Club White Cane Chairman.

Old Business
Approval of Bid for GEFA Sentry Oaks Project:  City Administrator Eidson provided copy of letter submitted by Rick Saunders (Saunders Engineering).  The city received a total of (9) bids.  The prices ranged from the lowest ($226,270.00) to highest ($852,223.00).  A letter of recommendation provided to Governing Authority submitted by Rick Saunders to award bid to Cherokee Grading & Development, LLC. ($226,270.00).   There are (3) separate motions associated with this item.
(1)Motion made by Councilman Tucker to award bid for Sentry Oaks Project to Cherokee Grading & Development ,  (226,270.00); by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried.
(2)Motion made by Councilman Andrews to offer residents within the sentry oaks sewer project reduction of tap fee ($250.00) subject to the following (2) conditions:
o   Fee must be paid no later than 90 days of completion of that customer’s project phase.
o   Customer must physically tie into the sewer no later than 180 days after paying the reduced fee ($250.00).  
If conditions (1) and (2) are not met, the tap on fee will be $500.00; seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried.
(3) Motion made by Councilman Wright authorizing City Attorney Rebecca Tydings and Utilities Superintended Mike Brumfield to negotiate the (2) easements necessary to complete the Sentry Oaks sewer project; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried.

Mayor Edwards thanked City Administrator Eidson, Rick Saunders (Saunders Engineer) and City Attorney Tydings for their due diligence with bid process.

Waiver of Water Deposits for Active Duty Military Personnel: Motion made by Councilman Wright to table item , Council Work Session April 21, 2009; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried.

New Business
Walt’s Pub, 100 Gunn Rd Suite A-3(owner: Walter Alexander, Jr.):   Copy of business license application provided to Mayor and Council for review.  Councilman Tucker stated that the application is in order.  Councilman Tucker questioned what type of food will be served at the tavern.    Mr. Alexander replied food will consist of appetizers, hamburgers and snacks.  Mayor questioned whether establishment will meet threshold of food sales for Sunday alcohol sales.  Mr. Alexander stated that he would not be opening on Sundays and had no intention of selling alcohol on Sundays, so it was not an issue.  Motion made by Councilman Tucker to approve business license (Walt’s Pub); seconded by Councilman Wright.  Councilman Andrews opposed.  Motion carried.

Authorization to submit COPS Grant Application:  City Administrator Eidson provided a copy of breakdown for Mayor and Council to review.  A projected cost for 2009 Cops Grant Application (3) years cost.  This is a DOJ (Department of Justice) Grant Application.  Chief Cooper would like to apply for funding (2) entry level police officer positions. The first (3) years would be funded at 100% by DOJ.  The City would be required to keep these positions for 12 months at the fourth year. 
City Administrator Eidson stated that the application is due April 14, 2009.    The breakdown is attached and made part of official minutes.   
Motion made by Councilman Tucker authorizing City Administrator Eidson to submit COPS Grant Application on behalf of the City of Centerville; seconded by Councilman Andrews.   Motion carried.

The City Administrator is authorized to exercise discretion in approving purchases exceeding $1000.00 when, in his judgment, it is necessary for uninterrupted provision of essential city services.  The City Administrator shall notify the Governing Authority in writing of any discretionary purchases made within 24 hours of approval of the expenditure.
 
2007 Water Fluoridation Quality Award Recognition:  City Administrator Eidson stated that on March 13, 2009 the city received a certificate.  City Administrator Eidson read the certificate language regarding the quality of water for the past 12 months.  Item brought before Mayor and Council as a point of information.  City Administrator Eidson commended Utility treatment coordinator John Hoselton and Utilities Superintendent Mike Brumfield.  
Mayor Edwards commended the Utilities Department for their hard work.
 

Police Chief Cooper employment status (March 29, 2009):  City Administrator Eidson has provided a memo with recommendation to terminate 6 month probationary status and change to full time.  
Motion made by Councilman Wright recognizing probation period is satisfied (March 29, 2009) and identify employee as full time status; seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried.
Councilman Andrews stated that he appreciates all that Chief Cooper has done for the Police Department.  In addition, that Chief Cooper is a good people person and handles situations with professionalism.  The command staff respects him and understands when to have a good time and do business.  A well rounded individual.
Councilman Wright stated that he appreciates the Staff and commended a job well done.
Councilman Tucker commented that the public can only see you from the visual side.  The council has had to endure some trying times.  Just ask his staff and they will tell you what a great job the Chief is doing.  
Mayor Edwards stated that the Chief’s resume was great, but as a person he is great.  This is summed up by leadership.  Chief Cooper does not only talk but listens.  Comments from the citizen’s on the street are positive.  The Police Department is doing a great job; the fit is like a hand and glove.

Comments from Council
Councilman Tucker reminded everyone of the Spring Clean up sponsored by Centerville Sanitation will be held on April 16, 2009.
Councilman Tucker went on record stating that he and Councilman Wright have met with Department Heads to discuss budget.  It is necessary to inform the public that all departments have worked diligently on preparing their budgets to save money.  Councilman Tucker and Councilman Wright will meet with the remaining departments Monday April.

Comments from Audience
None
Executive Session: Councilman Wright made motion to enter into executive session at 7:40pm; seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried.

Executive session adjourned at 8:15; Mayor and Council did not reconvene.

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Mayor Harold M. Edwards, Jr.

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Attest by: City Clerk, Krista Bedingfield

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