Swainsboro City Council met Tuesday, September 8 for their regular monthly meeting. Council members present were Mayor Lillie Brown; City Administrator Herman Middlebrooks; Councilmembers Tjuna Culbreth, Lafonda Kelly, Brad McKenzie, Gregory Quarterman, and Julian Sconyers. Roddrigus Foster was not present.
The meeting opened with a prayer of invocation by Brad McKenzie, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dustin Brantley addressed Council about the deplorable condition of Harmon Park. He requested Council form a committee to address the issues at the park.
Minutes from the August meeting were approved, 5-0.
Under old business, Chris Morton with Clearwater Solutions addressed Council about the increase in residential septic hauling fees, a topic that was also discussed at the July and August council meetings. He presented four options. Councilman Sconyers made a motion to increase the fees from $75 to $125 for in-county and out-of-county. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Quarterman made a motion to raise the rates to $100 for in-county and $125 for out-of-county. The motion passed 4-1, with Councilman Sconyers voting against.
Under new business, Swainsboro Police Chief Ashley Riner requested to hire Tyler Jackson as a full-time police officer. Jackson has over 20 years experience in law enforcement. Councilperson Kelly asked if this hire was in the budget and the rate of pay he would start at. City Administrator Middlebrooks stated that they had not discussed the pay rate. “We are just trying to hire him now,” said Middlebrooks.
Next, Swainsboro Fire Chief Alima Mims requested approval to hire two part-time firefighters. He explained that both firefighters are certified with eight years of combined experience. Council approved unanimously.
Council approved a budget amendment for the Public Works Department. Chu Lin, Finance Director for the city, informed Council that this is just a formality to comply with audit requests.
Will Martin with Turnipseed Engineers addressed Council about the Rolling Oaks Subdivision infrastructure, located on Highway 1 North. Seven bids were submitted, with Sikes Construction winning the bid. The winning bid was $1.95 million. Council approved 5-0 to sign the resolution to approve Sikes as the contractor. Mincey Goggins will be the home builder for the subdivision.
Chris Morton once again approached Council regarding the city’s Vac Truck not working. He presented Council with several options, including repair or replacement of a pump for the truck. Repair costs would be $22,364 for a used pump and $38,895 for a new. He also submitted a proposal for a new truck in the estimated amount of $600,000. Councilman Sconyers stated that a new truck would have to be paid for from the city’s water fund. “I don’t see where we can stand this. Our water bills would be about five times what they are now,” said Sconyers. Council approved the replacement of the motor for $38,895.
In Executive Session, Council voted 5-0 to terminate firefighter Katelyn Tate, effective September 8.
