Official minutes of Council Meeting February 4, 2010

approved by City Council February 21, 2010

  

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tipton with Councilman Myrick leading in prayer.  Chief Gossett reported that Captain Pike was at home after having bypass surgery and seems to be doing much better.

 

Mayor Tipton presented the draft copy of the minutes of the January 21, 2010 council meeting for council’s review.  Councilman Rawlings made a motion to approve the minutes, Councilman Kerby seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.  The Mayor presented the agenda for tonight’s meeting for approval.  Councilman Myrick made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of discussion regarding the lowering of the minimum bid on the surplus Sulaire generator.  Councilwoman Griffin seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

 

Under administrative reports, Councilman Myrick stated he and the Mayor had held a meeting to discuss preliminary plans for the construction of a Veterans’ Memorial.  He reported that Joe Garcia, Roland Waller and Margel Winn had met with them and he felt there were some good ideas shared by everyone in attendance.  Councilman Rawlings reported that the Bloomingdale History Society will hold their annual meeting at the Bloomingdale Community Building on Monday, February 8th and will be serving breakfast.  The members encouraged everyone to attend.  Councilman Rawlings also reported problems with some water leaks in the City and stated he was working with Ernie to make the necessary repairs to the infrastructure.  Public Works Superintendent Ernie Grizzard advised council that the scrubber was working very well and there had been no complaints from citizens.  Councilwoman Griffin reported that she and Councilman Myrick had attended the Recreation Executive Board meeting on Monday night.  She stated that youth basketball was underway with Bloomingdale renting the Port Wentworth gym for practices.  Councilwoman Griffin reported that the 3rd Annual Church Co-ed League would be held at Taylor Park and softball/baseball signups for the Recreation program started on February 2nd. Council was advised that the construction of the bathroom and meeting space at Taylor Park is nearing completion at an estimated cost of between $60,000 and $70,000.  Councilman Kerby reported that the maintenance department was in the process of cleaning up the property purchased by the City on Main Street.  Councilman Kerby pointed out that he would like to see Zeke Boatright recognized for his many years of service to the fire department.  Mayor Tipton stated that the plans for the fire department building were being reviewed and Skip Starling was in the process of helping the Bloomingdale Fire Department prepare for the upcoming ISO inspection.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

There was no old business.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Council discussed the lowering of the minimum bid on the surplus Sulaire generator.  It was noted that there had been no bids submitted at the $400 minimum and Ernie had been approached by a couple of people interested in purchasing the generator for between $100 and $150.  After a brief discussion, Councilman Myrick made a motion to lower the minimum bid to $100 and authorize Ernie to sell the generator.  Councilman Kerby seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

 

Mayor Tipton reported that CEMA Director Clayton Scott had requested the City designate a representative to serve on the E-911 Steering Committee.  It was noted that it had been suggested that the City’s Fire or Police Chief serve in the capacity on a two year rotation.  Councilman Myrick made a motion to appointed Police Chief Gossett to serve on the committee as Bloomingdale’s representative for the next two years.  Councilwoman Griffin seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

 

The Mayor reported that the City had been contacted by Lauren Lewis with Partnership Specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau requesting the use of space within City Hall for a “Questionnaire Assistance Center”.  The purpose will be to help those persons who request assistance in completing their 2010 census questionnaire.  The assistance will be offered beginning March 19, 2010 through April 19, 2010 during the hours of 9:00am to 12:00 noon.  The QAC representative will need a table or desk and two chairs located in an area in which they may interview, privately and undisturbed, the respondent seeking assistance in completing the U.S. Census forms.   After a brief discussion, Councilman Myrick made a motion to authorize the use of the Judge’s Chambers for this purpose and to allow Mayor Tipton to execute the service and space agreement as requested.  Councilman Rawlings seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

 

Council was advised that Fire Chief Tyler was requesting approval to purchase additional large diameter hose, tools and appliances and two full sets of fire fighting turnout gear using SPLOST funds on hand in an amount not to exceed $11,500.  It was noted that these funds were included in the 2009/2010 budget, but since the expenditures are from SPLOST monies, council approval is required.  Mayor Tipton stated that Fire Chief Tyler had already discussed the purchases with Public Safety Committee Chairman Dennis Baxter and received his approval.  Councilman Kerby made a motion to approve said purchases for up to $11,500.  Councilwoman Griffin seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

 

Mayor Tipton recognized former Councilman Mike Ray and welcomed him to the meeting.

 

This concluded the items presented for consideration for inclusion on the council agenda prior to the deadline of Friday, January 29, 2010.

 

The accounts payable were reviewed with Councilman Myrick making a motion to pay the bills.  Councilman Kerby seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

 

Councilman Kerby made a motion to adjourn.  Councilwoman Griffin seconded the motion and the meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,  Sandra Jones, City Clerk

 

Mayor Tipton and Council members Griffin, Kerby, Myrick, and Rawlings were present at the meeting.  Councilmen Baxter and Crosby were out of town.

 

 

Note:  Section § 50-14-1 of the Official Code of the State of Georgia Annotated requires that the minutes shall, as a minimum, include a description of each motion or other proposal made, and a record of all votes.  These minutes meet the minimum requirements.  However, in an attempt to provide as much information as possible to the citizens, the recording clerk has included additional background data and discussion on the subjects presented to council.  The statements of individuals are not verbatim and may be summary in nature.