Council Work Session  

August 16, 2011 

Meeting called to order by Mayor Harley at 5:30pm. 

Invocation given by Mayor Harley 

Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Harley 

Welcome extended to all by Mayor Harley 

Motion made by Councilman Andrews add item to agenda; travel and training for Utilities Superintendent Brumfield and City Administrator Eidson under New Business; seconded by Councilman Wright.   

Old Business 

Resolution Amendment (Sunday Package Sales):  City Attorney Tydings the referendum question has been submitted to DOJ (Department of Justice) for pre-clearance and has been pre approved.  The resolution contains language stating when the Sunday package sales would become effective; specific date.  This law is different and is set by the Governing Authority.  City Attorney Tydings this doesn’t require pre-clearance just an amendment to resolution regarding date.   

Mayor Harley recommended it should become effective immediately after the certification of election results.  City Attorney Tydings stated that the City of Perry is going to put this language in their resolution, not sure what the City of Warner Robins is planning.   

Motion made by Councilman Wright to adopt resolution with language to include immediately as a result of certification of votes; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Councilman Andrews opposes and Councilman Smith opposes.  Motion carried.   See Resolution 2011-8. 

Council Salary Ordinance Amendment-Second Reading:  City Attorney Tydings reported this will serve as the second official reading.   In addition, have complied with the advertisement requirements; ad ran for 2 weeks preceding approval of ordinance.  

 Motion made by Councilman Andrews to approve as written; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Councilman Wright and Councilman Smith oppose.  Motion carried.  See Ordinance 2011-3. 

 This will go into effect until January 1, 2012 in accordance with Georgia Law.   

New Business 

Travel and training for Utilities Superintendent Brumfield and City Administrator Eidson under New Business:  City Administrator Eidson stated a letter was received from DOT (Department of Transportation) regarding training.  The training will help maintain compliance in regards to receiving federal funds.  If funds were awarded the city would have to sign and assurance letter. City Administrator Eidson stated that he had spoken with a representative and training will be August 24-25, 2011.  The cost for training is $100.00 per person.  Also, there will be expenses for lodging and meals associated with training.  The expenditure will be paid out of the water and sewer department budget.  Motion made by Councilman Wright to approve; seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried. 

Police Department Accreditation Presentation: Police Chief Andrews/Lt. Cedric Duncan, Montezuma Police Department.  Chief Andrews stated that he was interested in seeking accreditation for the City of Centerville Police Department and recognized Lt. Cedric Duncan.  Lt. Duncan presented power point presentation to the Mayor and Council.  The presentation contained information about working towards a state certification.  Certification is a progressive and time proven way of helping law enforcement agencies.  Certification is a great way to network among agencies.  This process approximately takes (2) years; however, can be completed sooner.   Some of the benefits are a complex training and policy formulation.   This will enable an officer to do their job by policy therefore empowering officers to excel.   In addition, the state certification process enables an agency to become an improved agency and reduces officer and departmental liabilities.   

Questions:   Councilman Andrews asked Lt. Duncan how many officers are on staff with the Montezuma Police Department. Lt. Duncan stated (13) sworn officers and (2) in training.  Major Cooley and Sergeant Andrews provide training.  Mayor Harley asked Chief Andrews if they have someone they would like to put in the position (Accreditation Manager).  Chief Andrews said “yes”.  Councilman Tucker requested a copy of the presentation be sent via email so he can review.  Councilman Andrews asked what the costs are associated with certification process.  Lt. Duncan said once you sign a contract the city will have 3 years to become certified. There is an annual fee of $300 and $75 annual dues; minimal costs. Mayor Harley likes the idea and stated he sees the benefits.   City Administrator Eidson stated that he is really excited about the opportunity along with Chief Andrews and Major Cooley and hopes the Governing Authority sees wisdom with moving forward.  City Attorney Tydings stated this is a small investment for a big benefit.  No motion or action taken.   

Edward Byrnes Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Award: City Administrator Eidson/City Attorney Tydings/Police Chief Andrews.  A copy of the information page from the grant was provided to Mayor and Council for review.  Spoke with TCS (Total Computer Solutions) and discussion pertaining to the needs for one server with the capacity to meet the requirements of the department; requests were included in grant.  Received approval of grant, this is a 100% grant, City Attorney Tydings was asked to review.  Mrs. Tydings stated that there are 70 plus items that are needed for compliance some do not apply.  The auditing requirements will be covered through the city accountant’s office.  Mayor and Council will be required to sign grant package and reviewed by City Administrator Eidson and City Attorney Tydings.  Motion made by Councilman Smith authorizing Mayor Harley to sign grant; seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried.   

Water Department Radio Upgrades: Utilities Superintendent Brumfield/City Administrator Eidson provided copy of quote from Macon Communications to upgrade frequency.  Seeking approval from Mayor and Council; expenditure will be paid from the water and sewer budget – maintenance line item.  Motion made by Councilman Wright to approve expenditure of $1408.25; seconded by Councilman Andrews.  Motion carried.  Upgrade will bring radios up to current compatibility to meet all requirements.   

Point of Information - Water Line Relocation Invoice Houston County: Utilities Superintendent Brumfield provided copy of invoice from Houston County.  This was a project that had been approved and has been completed.   

Councilman Andrews left meeting at 6:13pm; prior engagement.   

Comments from the Council 

None 

Comments from the Audience 

Utilities Superintendent Brumfield welcomed back City Clerk Bedingfield. 

Executive Session – Personnel Matters: Councilman Wright to enter into executive session at 6:15pm; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.   

Mayor and Council reconvened at 6:55pm.   

Motion made by Councilman Wright to close executive session at 6:56pm; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried. 

Resolution and Affidavit: Mayor Harley/City Attorney Tydings.  City Attorney Tydings read resolution.   Motion made by Councilman Wright to approve resolution as written; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.  Affidavit executed by Mayor Harley and notarized by City Clerk Bedingfield.    Affidavit and Resolution attached and made part of official minutes.   

Meeting adjourned at 6:56pm.   

_____________________________ 

Mayor John R. Harley 

____________________________________ 

Attest by City Clerk Krista Bedingfield 

______________ 

Date