Council Work Session
February 15, 2011

Meeting called to order by Mayor Harley at 5:35pm.  Present:  Mayor Harley, Councilman Smith, Councilman Wright, Councilman Andrews, Councilman Tucker (via Skype at 5:37 p.m.), City Clerk Bedingfield, City Administrator Eidson, and City Attorney Tydings.

Invocation given by City Attorney Rebecca Tydings

Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Harley

Welcome extended to all by Mayor Harley, particularly recognizing his wife (Shirley) and Macon Police Chief Burns. 

Officer Swearing –In Ceremony: Mayor Harley sworn in new officer Dominick Andrews.

Public Works Sub-Committee Report: Councilman Wright gave a brief report to Mayor and Council on the following items: 

Attendance:  Councilman Randall Wright (Chairman), Mayor John R. Harley (Co-Chairman), Superintendent Mike Brumfield and City Administrator Patrick Eidson and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings.  Mr. Bob Rychel, Manager of Planning Programs for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.

Meeting Items:

1. Pedestrian/Sidewalk Master Plan Preparation:
- Mr.  Bob Rychel, Manager of Planning Programs, for the Middle Georgia Regional Commission met with the sub-committee and discussed the preparation of a Pedestrian/Sidewalk Master Plan for the City of Centerville.  The plan would develop a priority schedule along with detail information concerning issues including pedestrian connectivity citywide.  The cost to produce the plan would be included in the Regional Commission’s Yearly Contract with the Department of Transportation and therefore, could be completed at no cost to the City.  Mr. Rychel will develop a scope of work to be reviewed and submitted to the council for full approval and then submitted to GDOT by the Regional Commission.  The target deadline is mid March.

2. Sidewalk Installation behind City Hall:
- Councilman Andrews made a request to have a sidewalk installed along the southwest back wall of the City Hall building and extending the existing sidewalk on the west side of the building to tie into the new sidewalk.  Utilities Superintendent Brumfield believes this is necessary because of the amount of pedestrian traffic behind the building from city staff.  Estimated cost to complete the work is $400 and can be found in this year’s city budget.  No additional funds are being requested to complete the project.  The sub-committee agreed with this request and will inform the council of the decision to move forward with the project.

3. Fire Hydrant Maintenance/Change Out Program:
- Chief Jones submitted a maintenance report to the Utilities Department on January 4, 2011.  The report listed two hydrants that were due for immediate repair and as of this date both hydrants have received the necessary maintenance and are working properly.  The report also identified 24 additional hydrants in need of minor repairs and to date, only 4 hydrants remain for minor maintenance.  Parts for the work are on order.  Also, the hydrant replacement schedule budgeted for in this year’s budget will begin in the spring of 2011.

4. E. Church Street Ditch Piping:
- The Utilities Department has completed the installation of the pipe along E. Church Street.  As weather permits landscaping will be added to dress the area.

5. TE Grant Update:
- As discussed at the last sub-committee meeting the City has submitted the latest TE grant application for the following sidewalk projects:

a. E. Church Street
b. Houston Lake Blvd. from Arnold St. to Watson Blvd.
c. Woodhaven Rd. from Carl Vinson Pkwy. to end.
d. Willow Glen to tie sidewalks together.

6. Application for Sewer Service Outside City Limits:
- The Utilities Superintendent requested the City Council to develop a written policy that will outline requirements for sewer service connections for residents living outside the City limits where city sewer is available.  The policy is needed because residents living within 200 ft. of a sanitary sewer service can no longer obtain permits for any work on or replacement of septic tank systems.  The sub-committee agreed a policy is needed and has requested the Utilities Superintendent, City Administrator and City Attorney work on a draft to submit to council for approval. 

New Business

Home Based Business Application: Brown’s Landscaping, Inc (owner: Kenneth Brown) 611A Collins Ave:  Councilman Smith stated that he has spoken with the applicant and visited the home site.  Motion made by Councilman Smith to approve business license; seconded by Councilman Andrews.   Motion carried.

DDA Website Hosting:  City Administrator Eidson reminded everyone that Ben Cheney (former DDA Chairman) created a DDA web site with a specific domain name for use as a DDA marketing tool.  The website/domain name will expire March 2011.  The charge to renew/reserve the domain name is $9.96.  Ben Cheney has offered to continue hosting and maintaining the website in addition to renewing the domain name in the event that the City wants to use it in the future.  Mr. Cheney would charge $100.00 for the year to host the website.  City Administrator Eidson stated that he was seeking guidance from Mayor and Council.   City Administrator Eidson offered several recommendations: renew domain name and take ownership and keep until such time the City wants to reactivate the DDA; let web site domain expire and not renew until future needs.    Mayor Harley stated that he would like to renew domain name and maintain site at a cost of $9.96 but did not recommend having Mr. Cheney host the site at this time.  Councilman Wright made motion to renew domain name only with the maintaining the site in-house.  Motion seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried.

With You in Mind Publications Advertisement: Mayor Harley and City Administrator Eidson had met with Patty Martin (Houston County Magazine).  Mayor Harley informed Council that that the magazine publishes twice a year.  The stories contained in the publication are about Houston County and cities that appeal to the local residences/ businesses.  Opportunity for the City of Centerville to advertise in the publication.    City Administrator Eidson stated this is a community oriented magazine.  Have an opportunity to purchase ads in the magazine; full page, half page or quarter page.  To clarify, the City Attorney asked if the cost is twice a year or one charge per year.  City Administrator Eidson will ask Ms. Martin that question.  Councilman Andrews made motion to buy quarter page ad in the fall edition $550.00 (FY 2012); seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.  Discussion indicated that Council will revisit the issue to consider a second ad at a later time.

FY 2011 – 2012 Budget Calendar Adoption:  City Administrator Eidson provided copy of proposed budget calendar for review.    Motion to accept budget calendar by Councilman Smith; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried. 

FY 2011 – 2012 Budget Sub-Committee Appointments:  Mayor Harley requested to be on the budget committee. Councilman Wright also stated that he would like to serve again on the committee.   Motion made by Councilman Smith to appoint Mayor Harley and Councilman Wright FY 2011-2012 Budget Sub-Committee; seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried.

Comments from Audience

None

Comment from Council

Councilman Andrews welcomed Dominick Andrews to the Police Department.

Executive Session, personnel matter, future acquisition of real estate; litigation update: Motion made by Councilman Andrews to enter into executive session at 6:04pm; seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried.

Mayor and Council reconvened at 6:51pm. 

Affidavit & Resolution:  City Attorney read resolution.  Motion made by Councilman Andrews to adopt resolution as written; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.   Affidavit read by City Attorney and executed by Mayor Harley and notarized by City Clerk Bedingfield. 

Meeting adjourned at 6:53pm.

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Mayor John R. Harley                                                             Date
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Attest by: City Clerk Krista Bedingfield