Regular Council Meeting

December 6, 2011

Meeting called to order by Mayor John R. Harley at 7:00pm.

Invocation given by Councilman Tucker

Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Harley

Welcome extended to all by Mayor Harley who recognized Councilman Jay Walker and Councilman Post 4 elect Jon Nichols.

Present were Mayor John R. Harley, Councilman Cameron Andrews, Councilman Randall Wright, Councilman Edward Tucker, Councilman Robert Smith, Jr., City Administrator Patrick Eidson and City Attorney Rebecca Tydings.

Presentation -Ed Armijo -Letter of Appreciation to Sergeant Roland Reed from the Robins Air Force Base for his articipation in a wing man event at RAFB. Mr. Armijo stated that Sgt. Reed’s dedication to his job shines through when speaking. Mr. Armijo stated he appreciates the Police Department for keeping citizens safe and presented a coin to Sergeant Reed from Robins Air Force Base. Copy of letter attached and made part of official minutes.

Adoption of Minutes: Motion made by Councilman Andrews to adopt all minutes as written; seconded by Councilman Tucker. Motion carried.

• November 1, 2011 Regular Council Meeting: Revision: City Administrator Eidson not present at meeting; correction will be made to minutes.

• November 15, 2011 Council Work Session

• November 22, 2011 Special Council Meeting

Old Business

None

New Business

Resolution Short Term Work Program: City Administrator Eidson provided copy of letter from Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Resolution will be transmitted to the Regional Commission and then transmitted to Department of Community Affairs.

Motion made by Councilman Wright to adopt resolution as written; seconded by Councilman Tucker. Motion carried. See Resolution 2011-11.

Resolution Supporting MGCAC Green Team Activities: City Administrator Eidson presented a resolution in support of MGCAC Green Team initiative. The resolution is about the MGCAC’s efforts to a program to implement an environmental program to decrease pollution in the air and improve air quality. City Attorney Tydings has reviewed resolution and has approved as to form.

Motion to approve as written made by Councilman Wright; seconded by Councilman Andrews. Motion carried. City Administrator Eidson will serve as liaison. See Resolution 2011-12.

Electronic Monitoring Agreement (Municipal Court Probation Services): City Attorney Tydings stated that this discussion is for information only. There is an ongoing problem with the collection of fines in court, largely due to tough economic times. John Sweat (Middle Georgia Probation) is recommending that a GPS device be added to probation service options that could be used in lieu of having offenders serve jail time. Jail costs are $40 a day, while the GPS tracking/monitoring device from the supplier AllTrackers would cost $9.50 per day (which would be paid by the City). City Administrator Eidson and City Attorney Tydings have met with Mr. Sweat to discuss the device as an option for those sentenced in Centerville Municpal Court. City Attorney Tydings stated this is an alternative to jail enables offenders to continue working and also provides a much lower cost alternative to jail for the City. The contract amendment will be presented for proposed adoption as an agenda item for the December 20, 2011 work session.

Robins Regional Chamber Guide Advertisement: City Administrator Eidson provided a copy of the handout with proposed advertisement dimensions and rates. Historically the city has purchased a 1/6 ad at a 10% discount. Mr. Eidson is bringing this item before Mayor and Council to see if they are interested in placing an ad. Councilman Andrews asked if the city purchased an ad last year. Mr. Eidson stated “yes”. This ad would go into the area relocation guide. The prices have increased. Councilman Andrews asked Commissioner Walker if they (Houston County) placed an ad. Commissioner Walker confirmed that the County did purchase an ad. Councilman Tucker would like language encouraging people to come to our city. Mr. Eidson is going to meet with Mrs. Miller (Robins Regional Chamber Guide) to discuss options and bring draft product to work session for Mayor and Council to review. Councilman Andrews wants the ad to encourage economic development or residential/community development. City Administrator Eidson recommended advertisement to encapsulate all ideas mentioned in tonight by Council.

Motion made by Councilman Wright to expend $1120.50 estimated- 1/4 page ad to be paid out of General Fund contingency fund; seconded by Councilman Andrews. Motion carried.

Animal Control Ordinance Amendment: City Attorney Tydings indicated that the county and all three cities propose an amendment to the local animal control ordinance that would remove the word “sutures” from the current definition of injury in Chapter 8, Article III, Section 8-75.

Motion made by Councilman Wright; seconded by Councilman Tucker. See Ordinance 2011-7.

Discussion: Centerville Christmas Parade: City Clerk Bedingfield reported that the parade will be held Saturday December 10, 2011 at 7:00pm. At this time, approximately 40 patricipants have registered. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Homecoming” in honor of Councilman Tucker who was deployed overseas in October 2010 and recently returned home after a year away. Councilman Tucker and his wife, Rhonda, will also serve as the parade Grand Marshals. The First Baptist Church of Centerville will be providing hot chocolate and face painting. In addition, Centerville Rotary Club and Centerville Lions Club will be providing hot chocolate to parade onlookers. Mrs. Bedingfield thanked all departments (Police, Fire, Utilities) for their help with preparation of parade. City Administrator Eidson also thanked, City Clerk Bedingfield, Fire Chief Jones ( Fire Department), Major Cooley ( Police Department) , Captain Hayes, Utilities Superintendent, and Accounts Payable Clerk Lee Siefert ( who all volunteered time and hours to work on City of Centerville float).

Comments from Council

City Administrator Eidson has requested each Councilmember to provide a biography so the website can be updated to enhance the city’s webpage.

Mayor Harley went to Robins Air Force Base to the tree lighting ceremony. Mayor Harley expressed appreciation to staff and council members for all of their hard work.

Comments from Audience

Linda Harwell - 206 Tumbleweed Circle, here at tonight to check on status of 210 Tumbleweed. City Attorney Tydings that no family member will claim ownership. There is no estate that has been probated. One known heir is unreachable but has been estranged from the late owner for years. City Attorney Tydings stated she will have to research further.

Jon Nichols mentioned that the First Baptist Church will be providing hot chocolate, face painting, crafts and music during the Christmas Parade.

Executive Session: Councilman Smith motion to enter into executive session at 7:40pm; seconded by Councilman Tucker. Motion carried.

Mayor and Council reconvened at 8:45pm. Motion made by Councilman Andrews to close executive session and reconvene; seconded by Councilman Tucker. Motion carried.

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

Mayor Harley adjourned meeting at 8:49pm.

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Mayor John R. Harley

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Attest by City Clerk Krista Bedingfield

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