Council Work Session

September 15, 2009

Meeting called to order by Mayor Harold M. Edwards at 5:30pm.

Invocation given by Councilman Tucker

Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Smith

Welcome extended to all by Mayor Edwards

Present were Mayor Harold M. Edwards, Jr., Councilman Randall Wright, Councilman Edward Tucker, Councilman Robert Smith.  Absent Councilman Cameron Andrews and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings (out of town-vacation).
  
Restructuring of Police and Fire Departments to create a Public Safety Department:  Councilman Randall Wright made the following motion to restructure police and fire departments and to create a Public Safety Department.
The Police and Fire Departments shall become one department known as the Public Safety Department under the supervision of a newly created Public Safety Director position.  The Police and Fire branches of the Public Safety Department shall be each headed by a Chief of Police Services and Chief of Fire Services.  The positions of Assistant Chief are immediately eliminated in both the Police and Fire branches of the Public Safety Department.  Each branch will be headed by the Chief of Police Services and Chief of Fire Services who will report directly to the Public Safety Director.  The Public Safety Director is the department head and will report directly to the City Administrator.  A new organizational chart illustrating the new Public Safety Department structure is attached to and incorporated into this motion. Motion seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.
Appointment of Public Safety Director, Chief of Police Services and Chief of Fire Services: Councilman Wright made motion to appoint Anthony Cooper as Public Safety Director, Sid Andrews as Chief of Police Services, and Jason Jones as Chief of Fire Services for the City of Centerville effectively immediately; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.
Following vote to appoint each as stated, Anthony Cooper, Public Safety Director, Sidney Andrews Chief of Police Services, and Jason Jones Chief of Fire Services were all officially sworn in by Mayor Edwards.
Public Safety Director Cooper recognized spouses /family of each new Chief and presented their wives with flowers.  Chief Andrews’ and Chief Jones’ wives participated by pinning insignia on their spouses.  Council and Department Heads congratulated Public Safety Director Cooper, Chief of Police Services Andrews, and Chief of Fire Services Jones.  
Councilman Smith commented that he has served on many committees since his tenure with the City; very pleased with the results of this committee’s work in creating the new department.
Discussion: 2009 Millage Rate Calculation: City Administrator Eidson provided copies of millage rate calculations for review: 10.781 (2008 millage rate) and 10.812 (2009 rollback rate).  Councilman Tucker made motion to propose a 2009 millage rate of 10.781 for discussion; seconded by Councilman Smith.  
Councilman Tucker asked City Administrator Eidson what the increase would be if the rollback rate was adopted (10.812).  City Administrator Eidson stated that with adjustments provided in the hand out, the total surplus: $ 50,267.00.  City Administrator Eidson referenced the budget presentation, showing the increase in exemptions and decline in personal property taxes.  If the Governing Authority decides to adopt 10.781; $62,000 decreases in the budget.   Mayor Edwards called for the vote; motion dies for lack of votes.
Motion made by Councilman Smith to propose a 2009 millage rate of 10.812; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Mayor Edwards called for the vote.  Motion carried.  The official adoption of the 2009 millage rate will be at the Regular Council Meeting, October 6, 2009.  The (5) year tax levy and proposed millage with anticipated adoption will be placed in the local organ of the county. (Houston Home Journal)
Pump Testing Equipment Purchase: City Administrator Eidson recognized Chief of Fire Services Jason Jones.  Chief Jones reported to the Mayor and Council that they annually test pumps on the fire trucks.   Chief Jones provided (3) estimates to purchase Akron Apparatus Flow kit and adapters; see attached estimates.  Recommendation is being made to purchase the equipment enabling the fire department to do testing in house versus contracting outside services; annual savings $1000.00.   Motion made by Councilman Smith to approve expenditure (Municipal Equipment Company $ 1,067.50); seconded by Councilman Wright.   Motion carried.
Discussion City Hall Carpet Cleaning Estimates:  City Administrator Eidson recognized City Clerk Bedingfield.  City Clerk Bedingfield provided (3) estimates to have carpet/tile cleaned at City Hall; see attached estimates.  Mayor Edwards commented on the stains/ wear and tear of the community room carpet.  Mayor also asked if the carpet is inspected each time someone is finished using the room.  Utilities Superintendent Brumfield confirmed that when the community room is rented it is inspected each time after use.  However, when non-paying groups use the room, it is generally not inspected afterward.   Mayor Edwards stressed his opinion that the room is being abused and the excessing staining of the carpet is not normal wear and tear; carpet is approximately two years old.  Mayor Edwards recommended that the room be inspected each time it is used and if not found satisfactory, cleaning fees should apply to the user. 
Home Based Business License:  S & L Cleaning Services, (owner: Stanley N Lavater Bass), 103 Pine Glen Ct:  Councilman Tucker reported that the application states that the owners will not have traffic at the home and application is in order.  Mr. Bass not present at the meeting.  Motion made by Councilman Tucker to approve business license; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.  
Mayor Edwards adjourned meeting at 6:18pm.   
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Mayor Harold M. Edwards, Jr.
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Attest by:  City Clerk Krista Bedingfield
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