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Tax Mill Rate Hearing, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2433
July 7, 2008
Harlem City Hall

Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Robert W. Culpepper, Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, and Councilwoman Robin M. Root; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove and City Clerk Debra E. Moore; ABSENT: Councilman John Thigpen; VISITORS: LaShonda Samuels and Camilla (Lee) Samuels.

The Hearing was called to order by Mayor Culpepper at 6:30 p.m.

The Invocation was given by Mayor Culpepper.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Culpepper.

2008 Tax Mill Rate: City Manager Dove reported that the proposed tax mill rate for 2008 was 5.35 mills; same as 2007. There is an increase in the tax digest of $27,300.00. The total digest for 2008 is $252,334; this is an increase of 12.13% over 2007. This increase comes from new construction, annexations and assessment increases. The only increase to existing properties is due to the assessment increases.

This is the first of three required meetings. The next two meetings are scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Mayor Culpepper opened the floor for any public comment. LaShonda Samuels of G.R. Tucker Road (outside of the city limits) and Camilla Samuels of S. Bell Street made comments to Council. LaShonda Samuels and Camilla Samuels both had concerns with the increase in their property assessments. It was suggested that they contact the tax assessor’s office. There is normally a time after the assessments are levied that the property owners are able to make appeals.

As there were no further comments, Mayor Pro tem Dixon made a motion to close the hearing; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor. The hearing closed at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra E. Moore
City Clerk

Tax Mill Rate Hearing, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2434
July 14, 2008
Harlem City Hall

Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Robert W. Culpepper, Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, and Councilman Tom Blalock; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove and City Clerk Debra E. Moore; ABSENT: Councilwoman Robin M. Root and Councilman John Thigpen; VISITORS: N/A

The hearing was called to order by Mayor Culpepper at 9:00 a.m.

The Invocation was given by Mayor Pro tem Dixon.

The Pledge was led by Mayor Culpepper.

2008 Tax Mill Rate: City Manager Dove reported that this was the second of three required hearings. The proposed tax mill rate for 2008 is 5.35; this is the same as 2007. The tax digest for 2008 is $252,334. There is an increase of $27,300 or 12.13% over 2007. The increase is due to property re-evaluations, new construction and annexations.

Mayor Culpepper opened the floor for public comment. Being none, Mayor Pro tem Dixon made the motion to adjourn the hearing; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. The hearing closed at 9:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra E. Moore
City Clerk

Tax Mill Rate Hearing, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2435
July 14, 2008
Harlem City Hall

Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Robert W. Culpepper, Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilwoman Robin M. Root and Councilman John Thigpen; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove and City Clerk Debra E. Moore; VISITORS: Jerry Campbell, Brenda Sheppard and Lance Herring.

The hearing was called to order by Mayor Culpepper at 6:31 p.m.

The Invocation was given by Mayor Pro tem Dixon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Culpepper.

2008 Tax Mill Rate: City Manager Dove reported that this is the third and final of the required hearings prior to setting the tax mill rate for 2008. The proposed rate for 2008 is 5.35 mills; the same as 2007. The total digest for 2008 is $252,334; an increase of $27,300 or 12.13% over 2007. The digest increased due to re-evaluations, new construction and annexations. Re-evaluations are done by the County.

Mayor Culpepper opened the floor for public comment. Ms. Brenda Sheppard was in attendance and commented on her unhappiness with the property re-evaluations. She was reminded that the County does the re-evaluations and they set a time after the assessments are sent out for any appeals.

Being no further comments, Mayor Pro tem Dixon made the motion to adjourn the hearing; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor. The hearing adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra E. Moore
City Clerk

Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2436
July 14, 2008
Harlem City Hall

The City Council of the City of Harlem, Georgia met for Called Meeting on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. at Harlem City Hall with Mayor Robert W. Culpepper presiding.

Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Robert W. Culpepper, Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilwoman Robin M. Root and Councilman John Thigpen; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove and City Clerk Debra E. Moore; ABSENT: City Attorney Barry Fleming; VISITORS: Jerry Campbell, Brenda Sheppard, Phil Turner, and Lance Herring.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Culpepper at 6:45 p.m.

Set 2008 Tax Mill Rate: City Manager Dove reported that the proposed tax mill rate for 2008 is 5.35 mills; this is the same as 2007. The tax digest for 2008 is $252,334. There is an increase of $27,300 or 12.13% over 2007. The increase is due to re-evaluations, new construction and annexations. Mayor Culpepper called for a motion to approve the tax mill rate of 5.35 mills for 2008; that motion was made by Mayor Pro tem Dixon; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor.

SPLOST: City Manager Dove reported on information that was provided by the County on guidance with SPLOST distributions. Per the guide, Census numbers are to be used in working up the distributions.

The estimated receipts for the 2006-2010 SPLOST are $2.7m. Tier I and Tier II are guaranteed; Tier III is estimated. We have currently received through March 2008 $1.023m.

The Estimated Projects for the 2011-2016 SPLOST is as follows:

Administrative: $1,325,000.00
Buildings: Theatre Building $700,000.00
Gazebo $ 75,000.00
Equipment $150,000.00
Buildings $100,000.00
Rec./Library/Senior Center $300,000.00

Note: Senior Center; CDBG grant applied for; would need matching funds.

Public Safety: $1,420,000.00
Buildings: Fire Station $850,000.00
Police Department $200,000.00
Equipment: Thermal Imaging Camera $ 10,000.00
Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2437
July 14, 2008
Continued from page 2436

SPLOST (cont’d):
Public Safety (cont’d):
Equipment: Equipped Rescue Truck $130,000.00
Police Vehicles $130,000.00
Communication System $ 50,000.00
Turnout Gear/Air Bottles $ 50,000.00

Public Works: $4,110,000.00
Infrastructure: Water and Sewer $3,500,000.00
Transportation $ 200,000.00

Note: Transportation is for streets, sidewalks, etc.

Equipment: Vehicles & Equipment $160,000.00
Generators $150,000.00
Buildings: Aerators $100,000.00

Note: Include a “Billy Goat”-will do sidewalks as well as street sweep

Total Request $6,855,000.00

Proposed Joint City/County Projects:
Campbell’s Crossing Sewer $405,000.00
Recreation $150,000.00
Library $ 75,000.00
Senior Center $200,000.00

There are two methods for determining SPLOST distributions:
• By Population
• Intergovernmental Agreements (% or Lump)

Per City Manager Dove, per law, the larger City can hold out.

Instead of tiers being used, SPLOST is now broken down into Levels and Categories. Category I is funded first; Category III is funded last. Level I benefits everyone in the County.

Information on the SPLOST projects needs to be to the County by August 5 for the ballot. The next meeting with the Columbia County and the City of Grovetown is Wednesday, July 16 at noon in Grovetown. There were some suggestions to meet with the County only as well as meeting with Grovetown only.

Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2438
July 14, 2008
Continued from page 2437

SPLOST (cont’d): City Manager Dove and Jerry Campbell to work on compiling numbers (population) to be prepared for Wednesday’s meeting. Mayor Culpepper questioned Mr. Campbell if he utilized the County’s GIS system when working; he responded that it was his right hand tool. He also responded that he had a good working relationship with the Tax Assessor’s office.

Mr. Campbell asked if he could make a short comment to Council; the response was that he could. His comment was that Public Safety is not the only department in need; Public Works is in need as well. This was agreed upon by Council. Mayor Pro tem Dixon also commented that we need to be more conservative in our spending habits.

There would be another meeting after meeting with the Columbia County and the City of Grovetown; date and time to be set.

Being no further business before Council, Mayor Culpepper called for a motion to adjourn the meeting; that motion was made by Mayor Pro tem Dixon; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra E. Moore
City Clerk

Work Session Notes Page 1
July 17, 2008

Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Robert W. Culpepper, Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilwoman Robin M. Root and Councilman John Thigpen; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore and City Attorney Stephen Brown; VISITORS: Jerry Campbell, Scott Dean, Daniel Cason, Phil Turner, Jason Whinghter, Jose Cabrerra and Chico Martinez.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Culpepper at 7:00 p.m.

The Invocation was given by Mayor Pro tem Dixon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Culpepper.

PUD Zoning Request-Blanchard & Calhoun: City Manager Dove reported that the request is to change the zoning from R-1 to PUD. Mayor Culpepper asked Mr. Whingter of Blanchard and Calhoun to address Council. The property is 36 acres with 66 residential lots; lot size 75’w x 150’d; minimum lot size is 6000 sq. ft.; minimum house size is 1800 sq. ft. They do not want to be a sub-division; more of a neighborhood. The home designs will be based on those in the W. Forrest area. The garages would not be front and center; they would be located at the sides and to the rear. They would have sidewalks and street lighting consistent with the new lighting downtown. Council questioned about the use of the effluent water for the yards; the cost estimates have not come in yet. Council will need to make a decision on the zoning request Monday night.

Beer & Wine License Application-Las Lomas Restaurant: City Manager Dove reported that the application has been received and is complete. Council will need to make a decision Monday. The applicant is also asking for Council to make a consideration on distilled spirits (this is separate from the Beer & Wine License; see agenda item #6).

Distilled Spirits: Approval for the sale of distilled spirits has to be done by referendum election. Council would have to approve a resolution to bring the referendum question to the public. Councilman Blalock questioned if a petition was needed; only in the case of a package store. Information for the ballot, if approved, would need to be to the Board of Elections by August 5. If approved, distilled spirits would be sold by the drink only on premises Monday-Saturday; there would have to be another referendum question to do Sunday sales. Councilman Blalock questioned the restrictions to restaurants; regulations are that at least 50% of sales must be food (yearly sales). Sunday sales could be done by doing a separate resolution. There would be two separate questions. There are very specific guidelines. Council would have to approve the resolutions Monday.

Work Session Notes Page 2
July 17, 2008

Project Updates:
• TE Project: There is a seam that needs to be looked at in the parking lot. The contractor should be here tomorrow (7/18). The drainage issue in the parking lot has been resolved per John McClellan.
• Head Start/Community Connections Building: City Manager Dove reported that they had met with the architect. He has written to the contractor stressing that Headstart needs to be in prior to school starting. Electrical and Heating & Air issues have been resolved. They are under the penalty phase.
• City Hall Expansion: City Manager Dove reported that the contractor is working diligently. Permits for electrical, plumbing and mechanical were picked up this week.

Ordinances:
• Annexation Ordinance: There are twelve properties included in this ordinance for annexation. It will be effective August 1, 2008.
• Historic Preservation Ordinance: This ordinance will be changing the regular meeting date to the fourth Monday of the month.

Historic Preservation Commission: There are two vacancies on the Commission. Nominations are needed from Council. Harvey Minton has expressed an interest in one of the positions. He has been a resident for at least ten years; he is located in the historic district. The second position is currently held by Jack Hatcher; he returned due to there not being enough members on the Commission.

Better Hometown Program: City Manager Dove reported that we have applied previously. There are new requirements; she feels that we meet those now. Mayor Culpepper would have to send a letter to the Department of Community Affairs requesting an application. If we receive this designation, it would open up more grants to the City.

Change Order #1-City Hall Project: City Manager Dove reported that she is in receipt of Change Order #1 on the City Hall Project. The total amount would be an increase of $2,354.00. The change order is for the soil testing; the original sample did not pass inspection. The contractor had to come in and take out some of the dirt/sand and replace with clay; would not hold the footers. Contract said they would use the existing soil.

Four Day Work Week: Council would have to approve a change to the ordinance in order to change the work days. It was suggested the work week would be either Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday. The departments are currently within budget. The trash ordinance would be followed or updated to coincide with the change. Currently the big trucks run on Mondays and Tuesdays. The departments are trying to cut down and conserve. Councilman Blalock suggested running on a trial basis and come back to

Work Session Notes Page 3
July 17, 2008

Four Day Work Week (cont’d):
Council to change if warranted. Councilwoman Root asked about the time period for the trial basis; it would be sixty days.

SPLOST: City Manager Dove reported that she had received information from the County. The proposed percents are as follows:
• Columbia County 86.66%
• City of Grovetown 10.53%
• City of Harlem 2.81%

Councilman Thigpen wanted to know what the City’s cash match was for the Headstart/Family Connection Building; per City Manager Dove is was $75,000.00. Councilman Thigpen feels that we should be able to list this as a Type I with the County.

A tentative called meeting has been set for July 29 to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement if the percent is agreed upon. It was asked who did the prioritizing of the projects for the City; it is done by the City. Mayor Culpepper wants grant information to see what could be covered so he could do prioritization. City Manager Dove to get the information by Monday. Mayor Culpepper and City Manager Dove have a meeting set up with Steve Szablewski on Tuesday at noon for further negotiations.

Other: A letter was received from Steve Abbott of the Georgia Forestry Unit expressing their gratitude with the response and support with a brush fire recently.

Being no further business for discussion, the meeting closed at 8:00 p.m.

Debra E. Moore
City Clerk

Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2439
July 21, 2008
Harlem City Hall

The City Council of the City of Harlem, Georgia met for the Regular Meeting on Monday, July 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Harlem City Hall with Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon presiding.

Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilwoman Robin M. Root and Councilman John Thigpen; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore and City Attorney Stephen Brown; VISITORS: Daniel Cason, Jerry Campbell, Rosemary Dixon, Julie Miller, Jose Cabrera, Earl Tingle, Joann Kirvin, Dale West, Jackie Benton, LeAnn Meyer, Robert Fields, Chuck Meadows, and Jason Whingter (also, on unreadable signature).

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro tem Dixon at 7:00 p.m.

The Invocation was given by Mayor Pro tem Dixon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Thigpen.

Approval of Minutes: Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2008 Called Meeting and the June 16, 2008 Regular Meeting as written; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.

Public Comment: There was no public comment at this time.

Department Reports: The following departments gave reports for the month of June 2008:

Community Connections Julie Miller, Director
Public Works Department Daniel Cason, Public Works Director
Public Safety Department Chuck Meadows, Asst. Police Chief
Planning & Zoning Department Robert Fields, Asst. Public Works Director
Museum Jean Dove, City Manager
Administrative Department Jean Dove, City Manager

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

TE (Streetscape) Project: City Manager Dove reported that the contractor is still working on the punch list items. There is a meeting on Thursday, July 24 at 4 p.m. to discuss the parking lot.

City Hall Expansion-Change Order #1: City Manager Dove reported that the soil did not meet the “compact” test. The contractor had to remove some of the soil and replace it
Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2440
July 21, 2008
Continued from page 2439

UNFINISHED BUSINESS (cont’d):

City Hall Expansion-Change Order #1 (cont’d): with clay. The cost of the change order is $2,354.00. Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion for the approval of change order #1 on subject project in the amount of $2,354.00; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor.

Head Start/Family Connection Building: City Manager Dove reported that the problems with the electrical and heating & air have been resolved. The 30 day extension request was not granted previously; they are in the penalty phase.

Historic Preservation Commission-Appoint Member: City Manger Dove reported that there was a position vacant on the Commission. Mayor Pro tem Dixon opened the floor for any nominations. Councilman Blalock nominated Harvey Minton for the vacancy; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.

Other: There was none at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

PUD Zoning Request-Blanchard & Calhoun: City Manager Dove reported this is for the property that is located off of W. Forrest Street. The request is to change the zoning from R-1 to a PUD. There were some concerns with added traffic from some of the citizens in the area (Dale West, Joann Kirvin, etc.). Councilman Thigpen addressed the questions received. Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to approve the rezoning of the property located off W. Forrest Street from R-1 to a PUD; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Discussion: Council will address any other concerns as the project proceeds. Motion carried; all in favor.

Beer & Wine License-Las Lomas Restaurant: City Manager Dove reported that the application was received and everything was in order. The license will be to sell beer and wine by the drink on premises only. Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion for the approval of the license application from Las Lomas to sell beer and wine by the drink on premises only; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.

Distilled Spirits Resolutions: City Attorney Stephen Brown
• By the Drink: The Resolution called for a Referendum question to be placed on the November ballot for the sale of distilled spirits by the drink to be consumed on premises only. Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to approve the Resolution as presented to put a Referendum question on the November ballot for the sale of distilled spirits by the drink to be consumed on premises only;

Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2441
July 21, 2008
Continued from page 2440

NEW BUSINESS (cont’d):

Distilled Spirits Resolutions (cont’d):
• By the Drink (cont’d): that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.
• Sunday Sales: The Resolution calls for a Referendum question to be placed on the November ballot authorizing Sunday sales of distilled spirits by the drink to be consumed on premises only. Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to approve the Resolution as presented to put a Referendum question for Sunday sales of distilled spirits by the drink to be consumed on premises only; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor.

Annexation Ordinance-1st and 2nd Reading: Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion for this to constitute as the 1st and 2nd Reading of the Annexation Ordinance for the following properties and for the approval of his signature to said Ordinance:

Southeastern Natural Science Academy Land Trust, Inc., portions of S. Bell and S. Louisville Street, Map & Parcels H05 026 & H05 026A, zoned A-1

Jeffery Richardson, 6346 Harlem-Grovetown Road, Map & Parcel 042 167E, zoned R-1

Scott D. and Patricia W. Johnson, 6343 Harlem-Grovetown Road, Map & Parcel 042 168, zoned R-1

Larkin J. and Francine L. Norris, 6334 Harlem-Grovetown Road, Map & Parcel 042 167D, zoned R-1

Marjorie Boyd, portion of 6506 Bobcat Lane, Map & Parcel 032 122, zoned R-1

Thomas T. Jones, 6496 Campbell’s Way, Map & Parcel 031 211, zoned R-1

Kyle E and Trina L Phillips, Sr., 6520 Campbell’s Way, Map & Parcel 031 223, zoned R-1

Daniel N Lessard, 6522 Campbell’s Way, Map & Parcel 031 224, zoned R-1

Paul O and Stella Patterson, 6521 Campbell’s Way, Map & Parcel 031 226, zoned R-1

Doyle R and Jean A Embry, 6487 Campbell’s Way, Map & Parcel 031 200, zoned R-1

Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2442
July 21, 2008
Continued from page 2441

NEW BUSINESS (cont’d):

Annexation Ordinance (cont’d):
Silas Collier, Sr., 854 Appling-Harlem Highway, Map & Parcel 031 A043, zoned R-1

Carlton and Deborah L Corbin, 6517 Campbell’s Way, Map & Parcel 031 227, zoned R-1

These annexations will become effective August 1, 2008. The motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.

Historic Preservation Ordinance-1st and 2nd Reading: Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to approve this as the 1st and 2nd Reading of the Ordinance for the change of the meeting date for the Regular HPC meetings to the fourth Monday of the month and the approval of his signature to said Ordinance; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor.

Employee’s Work Schedule: Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to approve a four day work schedule on trial basis for 60 days; if it works, amend the Ordinance at that time. That motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.

Councilman Thigpen made the motion to amend the motion to read for the Public Works Department; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.

Better Hometown Program: City Manager Dove reported that we have previously applied for this designation. They have changed or updated the requirements and she is recommending that the City apply again and is asking for permission to proceed with the application process. Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion for the approval to authorize the necessary procedures to start the application process; that motion was made by Councilman Blalock; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Discussion: Councilman Thigpen voiced his concerns with prior years. It was reported that Mayor Culpepper is interested in proceeding with the application process. Motion carried; all in favor.

Announcements:
July 24 Merchants Meeting 8:00 a.m.-My Sister’s Loft
July 29 Potential Called Meeting-SPLOST (Actual Date July 28)
August 5 Swearing In-Scott Dean-5:00 p.m. County Commission Chambers
August 11 1st Day of School
August 12 Family Connection 9:30 a.m.
August 14 Work Session 7:00 p.m.
August 18 Regular Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2443
July 21, 2008
Continued from page 2442

NEW BUSINESS (cont’d):

Executive Session-Legal/Personnel: Mayor Pro tem Dixon called for a motion to adjourn to Executive Session; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor. The Regular meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.; Executive Session convened at 8:00 p.m.

Note: Mayor Culpepper arrived at this time and entered Executive Session.

Mayor Culpepper called for a motion to adjourn Executive Session; that motion was made by Councilman Thigpen; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. Executive Session adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Mayor Culpepper called for a motion to approve the signature of Mayor Pro tem Dixon to the Affidavit stating that only two legal issues were discussed and no final action was taken; that motion was made by Councilwoman Root; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor.

Councilman Blalock made the motion to authorize our Counsel to engage additional Counsel for any City personnel as needed for ongoing legal matters; that motion was 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor.

Being no further business, Mayor Culpepper called for a motion to adjourn the meeting; that motion was made by Mayor Pro tem Dixon; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:22 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra E. Moore
City Clerk

Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2444
July 28, 2008
Harlem City Hall

The City Council of the City of Harlem met for a Called Meeting on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. at Harlem City Hall with Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon presiding.

Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pro tem Rudolph Dixon, Councilman Tom Blalock, and Councilwoman Robin M. Root; STAFF: City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore, and City Attorney Barry Fleming; ABSENT: Mayor Robert W. Culpepper and Councilman John Thigpen; VISITORS: Valerie Rowell and Scott Dean.

Purpose: SPLOST

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro tem Dixon at 5:12 p.m.

The Invocation was given by Mayor Pro tem Dixon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Attorney Barry Fleming.

SPLOST: Mayor Pro tem Dixon turned this item over to City Manager Jean Dove. It was reported that she and the Mayor met with Chairman Ron Cross, County Administrator Steve Szablewski, and Scott Dean. The final offer was 3%; an estimate of $3,700,350.00. It would be broken down into the following Tiers:
• Tier I - $2,368,224.00
• Tier II - $810,377.00
• Tier III - $521,749.00
There is a Resolution to be approved by Council accepting the 3% distribution; Council will also have to decide on projects by Tier. The project list is needed by next week at the latest.

City Manager Dove reported that the 3% is based on an estimated population of 2800 to 3000. Councilman Blalock expressed his concern with the fact that the County had no problem accepting the City of Grovetown’s population projections and not ours. City Manager Dove responded the problems are based on the 2000 census; 200+ homes were left off. Scott Dean stated that the 3% is based on an estimated population of 3400 (3000/2.81%; 3400/3%). City Manager Dove reported that Mayor Culpepper requested 4%; it was declined. At the last joint meeting, 2.81% was offered; at the most recent meeting, it was increased to 3%. The project list that was presented at Retreat was for $3,350,000; we should receive an estimated $350,000.00 more.

The recommendations received from City Attorney Fleming were the following: the Intergovernmental Agreement had not been reviewed. He recommends approving the Resolution; it can be rescinded if errors are found. The Resolution allows for unsubstantial changes. He recommends signing it.

Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2445
July 28, 2008
Continued from page 2444

SPLOST (cont’d): Councilman Blalock made the motion to authorize the Mayor to sign the Resolution contingent upon completion of the project list; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor.

Other: City Manager Dove reported that she has set a tentative date of July 31 for a Called Meeting for the approval of the project list. She will review the Intergovernmental Agreement and send to City Attorney Fleming for review.

Being no further business, Mayor Pro tem Dixon made the motion to adjourn the meeting; 2nd by Councilwoman Root. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra E. Moore
City Clerk