Council Work Session  

September 20, 2011 

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

Invocation given by Councilman Smith 

Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman Wright 

Present were Mayor John R. Harley, Councilman Randall Wright, Councilman Edward Tucker (via skpe), Councilman Robert Smith and City Administrator Patrick Eidson.  Absent Councilman Cameron Andrews and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings (medical leave). 

Welcome Extended to all by Mayor Harley.  Mayor Harley introduced qualifying candidate Post 4 Jonathan Nichols (Jon).  Mayor Harley stated that he appreciated Councilman Smith bringing Christian maturity to the Governing Body.   

Proclamation: Houston County Habitat for Humanity (Thomas Prior & Dennis Bean): Mayor Harley read proclamation declaring October 2011 as “Houston County Habitat for Humanity”.  Proclamation presented to Mr. Thomas Prior and Mr. Dennis Bean. 

Old Business 

New Business 

Public Hearing Centerville Short Term Work Program- Houston County Comprehensive Plan:  Mayor Harley entertained motion.  Motion to enter into public hearing at 5:43pm made by Councilman Wright; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried.   

City Administrator Eidson provided a copy of the3 page document containing planning items showing short-term work programs.  Identifies planning items for portion of the comprehensive plan otherwise known as Centerville short-term work program. Items:  Economic Development, Natural and Cultural Resources, Intergovernmental Coordination, Community Facilities and Services, Transportation System and Land Use Character Areas.  Some of the items are carryover from 2006 and some projects have been completed.  All projects identified by the city were under the TSPLOST (HB277) in the event we get funding from the state or from the TSPLOST or if it doesn’t get funded can look in other areas for additional funding.  It’s a short and concise list; part of the public hearing process is to open floor for public comments.  Make necessary adjustments and transmit by resolution to MGRC and they will submit to the state for consideration.   

Public hearing adjourned at 5:47pm and reconvene Regular Council Meeting.  Councilman Wright, Smith and Tucker appreciate work and effort creating document.   

Councilman Tucker commended City Administrator Eidson and staff for preparing document. 

Transmittal Resolution Short Term Work Program:  Mayor Harley read resolution.  Motion made by Councilman Wright to approve resolution as written; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried.  See Resolution 2011-9. 

Approval -Purchase AED:   City Administrator Eidson/ Fire Chief Jones.  Chief Jones seeking approval for purchase of AED $2,200.00.  Chief Jones stated that the Fire Department current AED needs to be updated.  Chief Jimmy Williams contacted Chief Jones to advise that new regulations on AED’s are forthcoming and that the current AED’s that Houston County, Perry, and Centerville own will not meet the new standards.   Chief Jones stated Houston County EMS will provide electro pads for free no replacement cost for electro pads.   City Administrator Eidson reported this was a budgeted item; however, exceeds the authorized limit of $1,000.00 by the City Administrator.  Expenditure does require approval from Mayor and Council.  

Motion made by Councilman Smith to approve expenditure for AED $2,200; seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried. 

Ordinance 2011 Millage Rate:  City Administrator Eidson explained the proposed millage rate process and requirements with advertising.  Mayor and Council need to determine proposed millage rate and begin advertising of the 5 Year Tax Levy required by state law.  The formal adoption of the 2011 millage rate will be at the October 18, 2011 Council Work Session.   

Motion made by Councilman Smith to propose 11.981-2011 Millage Rate; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried. 

Motion made by Councilman Smith to run advertisement (5 Year Tax Levy) September 24, 2011 in the Houston Home Journal (Legal Organ of the County); seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried. 

Approval-SPLOST Funds Expenditure (Street Department):  City Administrator Eidson/ Utilities Superintendent Brumfield.  City Administrator Eidson reported to Mayor and Council this invoice includes cost associated with relocation of water line in conjunction with Margie Dr Extension Project amount $12,555.92.   Utilities Superintendent Brumfield stated these were repairs that the city asked the contractor to do for the city; add steal casing on water mains, concrete and misc items on project. This is a final billing.  Need approval to be paid out of 2006 SPLOST funds.  Motion made by Councilman Smith to approve expenditure of $12,555.92 and be paid by the 2006 SPLOST fund; seconded by Councilman Wright.  Motion carried. 

Christmas Lights Expenditure Discussion:  Councilman Wright stated that there is a chance the Margie Drive might be completed by Christmas.  Councilman Wright stated that he will purchase one of the four; Mayor Harley stated he will buy one also.  Motion made by Councilman Wright to purchase four Christmas lights ($199.00 each) paid from the General Fund Contingency; seconded by Councilman Smith.  Motion carried. 

Christmas Parade Date:  City Administrator Eidson stated that Councilman Wright had mentioned that he would like this tradition to continue -Lighted Christmas Parade December 10, 2011 at 7:00pm.  City Administrator Eidson briefly explained how process worked last year and committee.  Have a lot of positive comments from public / community about last year’s Christmas Parade.   

Motion made by Councilman Smith designating Christmas Parade to be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 7:00pm and appoint Councilman Wright as part of the Christmas Parade Committee; seconded by Councilman Tucker.  Motion carried. 

Comments from the Council 

Mayor Harley stated that Captain Hayes will be the Law Enforcement liaison for GOHS (Governor’s Office of Highway Safety) and Detective Phillip Pritchett recognized as the new networking coordinator GOHS.   

Councilman Tucker stated he was grateful to be a part of the meeting and look forward coming home late October early November.   

Jonathan Nichols looks forward to the opportunity.  Mr. Nichols stated he was a “little shoe filling a big shoe”.   In addition, is looking forward in helping with the process of where Centerville is headed.   

Comments from the Audience 

None 

Mayor Harley adjourned meeting at 6:12pm. 

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Mayor John R. Harley 

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Attest by:  City Clerk Krista Bedingfield 

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