Regular Council Meeting
June 2, 2009

Meeting called to order by Mayor Edwards at 7:00pm.

Present were Mayor Harold M. Edwards, Jr., Councilman Cameron Andrews, Councilman Randall Wright, Councilman Edward Tucker, Councilman Robert Smith, Jr.  Also present, City Administrator Patrick Eidson and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings. 

Invocation given by Councilman Cameron Andrews

Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Randall Wright

Welcome extended to all by Mayor Edwards; recognizing Houston County Commissioner Jay Walker and visitors (Troop 400).

Adoption of Minutes
·         May 5, 2009 Pre Council Meeting:  Motion made by Councilman Tucker to adopt minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.
·          May 5, 2009 Regular Council Meeting;  Motion made by Councilman Wright to adopt minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried.
·         May 19, 2009 Council Work Session:   Motion made by Councilman Andrews to adopt minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried.
·         May 26, 2009 Special Council Meeting:  Motion made by Councilman Smith to adopt minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried.

Presentation to Fire & Police by Troop 400 (Scoutmaster Lou Napolitano): Mayor Edwards recognized Troop 400.  Scouts from Troop 400 presented plaques to Fire and Police Departments for their participation in helping the scouts to earn education credits toward fire and crime prevention merit badges.

Old Business
None

New Business
Home Based Business:  S & G Lawn Care & Landscaping Services (owner:  Sheri Fincher) 228 Valencia Circle:   Councilman Andrews asked Mrs. Fincher where equipment will be stored. Mrs. Fincher responded that she will have an enclosed trailer to store all lawn equipment; park trailer in driveway when not in use.  No customers will be coming to residence.  
Motion made by Councilman Andrews to approve business license; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried.  

FY 2010 Budget Presentation:   Council City Administrator Eidson publicly thanked Governing Authority, Budget Committee (Councilman Wright and Councilman Tucker) and Department Heads for their time and efforts during the budget process.  Narrative presented to Mayor and Council with summary of expenditures/revenues for funds (General Funds & Enterprise Fund).  Documents provided to Governing Authority that outline operating budget FY09/FY10; comparison of year to year with percentage changes.   Anticipated adoption scheduled for June 16, 2009 Council work session at 5:30pm.   No motion or action taken.   Copy of presentation attached and made part of official minutes.  
Councilman Tucker stated that it was a pleasure working with departments and commended all department heads for being prepared when meeting with the Budget Subcommittee.  Each department was tasked with starting out by bringing a very lean budget to the committee for review.  The budget process goal was to do the best with what we have while still providing a viable working document.  Councilman Wright stated that he echoed same sentiments especially noting that all department heads were very well prepared to discuss their proposed budgets.  

FY 2010 Budget Public Hearing:  Mayor Edwards closed Regular Council meeting and opened public hearing at 7:45pm.
Public Comments:
John Harley, 403 Dogwood Glen, commended City Administrator Eidson stating this is the “best” budget presentation he has seen thus far.  In addition, the Mayor and Council showed foresight.  However, would have liked to have seen projections with and or without transfers from Enterprise Fund.   Mr. Harley reported that he had attended the Houston County Commissioners meeting that morning; Houston County proposing 1 mill increase for emergency sirens and new jail. One concern brought before Houston County from citizen was the increasing cost of healthcare.  Mr. Harley commended that the city is doing a good job with keeping insurance premium cost under control.   Mr. Harley stated that he would support a (1) mill tax increase to give employees a COLA (cost of living) for FY 2010; city employees need this COLA.  Houston County will be reconsidering this in January for their budget.  
Mayor Edwards thanked Mr. Harley for his comments.  
No further comments.
Mayor Edwards closed public hearing and re-opened regular council meeting at 7:50pm.
Mayor and Council Salary Ordinance Amendment: Councilman Smith read Ordinance. 
See amendment to language: 
THEREFORE, be it ordained that Ordinance Number 2008-05 is hereby rescinded; and  
 THEREFORE, be it ordained that Mayor and Council’s compensation shall not increase on January 1, 2010; and
THEREFORE, be it ordained that City Ordinance Section 2-27 shall continue to read as follows:
(1)   Mayor.  The mayor of the city shall be compensated for services to the city in the amount of $4,800.00, annually, payable in monthly installments of $400.00.  
(2)   Councilmember’s.  Each city councilmember shall be compensated for services as a councilmember in the amount of $2,400.00, annually, payable in monthly installments of $200.00; 
Motion made by Councilman Smith to rescind Ordinance 2008-5 (Mayor and Council’s salary increase effective January 1, 2010); seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried.  See Ordinance 2009-3.
P& Z Board Reappointments:  City Attorney Tydings confirmed that all members currently serving have agreed to reappointment to new, staggered terms, all with a beginning date of June 2, 2009.  Councilman Wright expressed appreciation to the Commission members for their past service and their willingness to continue serving the City. 
Motion made by Councilman Wright to re-appoint all five members of the Centerville Planning and Zoning Commission as follows; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried.
·         Paul Copeland                                    3 year term                 expires    06/02/2012
·         Ralph Kennedy                      3 year term                    expires    06/02/2012
·         Ben Cheney                                 2 year term                       expires    06/02/2011
·         Walt Whiting                              1 year term                    expires    06/02/2010
·         Steve Honrath                                       2 year term                    expires   06/02/2011
Mayor Edwards adjourned meeting at 6:08pm.  
Comments from the Audience
John Harley, 403 Dogwood Glen, recommended that future Special called meetings be posted on the outside marquee for public notification.  Mayor and Council will consider request for future called meetings.  Mr. Harley also asked about the expenditure pertaining to seniors noted in budget presentation.  City Administrator Eidson informed Mr. Harley that the seniors turn in expenses for reimbursement out of their (seniors) Building/ Supplies Fund.  

 

Comments from Council 
City Administrator Eidson publicly thanked all department heads for making the budget process an easier task by being extremely well prepared.
  
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Mayor Harold M. Edwards, Jr.
___________________________________                      _____________             
Attest by City Clerk Krista Bedingfield                                               Date

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