|
Work Session Notes Page 1 April 8, 2004 Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Scott Dean, Mayor Pro tem Robin M. Root, Councilman Rudolph Dixon, and Councilman John Thigpen; City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore and City Attorney Drew Demott. Absent: Councilman Tom Blalock. VISITORS: Valerie Rowell, Mike Rorick, Daniel Cason, and Raymond Fulcher. The work session was called to order by Mayor Dean at 3:00 p.m. The Invocation was given by Councilman Dixon. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Dove. Project Updates-City Manager Dove a. Wastewater Treatment Plant-The liner work will be done by Team Excavation. The job should take a total of six weeks and they are scheduled to begin in two weeks. b. Point Repair & Slip Lining of Pipe-The point repair work has been completed. There is a hold up with the contractor on the slip lining. c. Shady Grove Subdivision-John McClellan will have information Monday at the Council meeting. The bid opening has been set for May 25. d. TE Project-John McClellan forwarded the updated right of way plans on March 10. e. Planned Sewer Expansion-John McClellan will have more information by the August Council meeting. Mayor Dean asked City Manager Dove when the next round of TE funding was; she responded that she had spoke with Anne Floyd and that it should be in mid April. Annexation Report-City Manager Dove reported that she has met with several residents who have shown an interest in annexing into the City. She also reported that she had sent information to Columbia County on the proposed annexation of the property for Harding Landing; Columbia County has asked for additional information. Inert Landfill on Lamkin Road-City Manager Dove reported that John McClellan believes that there is plenty of room for a new cell. The City will have to bring in dirt. She stated that we could look into the possibility of having the County assist in digging it out or maybe getting a price from Team Excavation to do the work. Ordinance-Flood Damage Prevention-This is a mandatory ordinance from FEMA. This is an update to the last ordinance adopted in 1977. City Manager Dove has copies of the flood maps. Council will need to approve.
Work Session Notes Page 2 April 8, 2004
UGA Agreement-Reviewing and Updating the City’s Position Classification System and Compensation Plan-This item came out of the Retreat that was held in November 2003. City Manager Dove was requested to get a job scale and classifications. The cost of this project will be $4,500.00. Council will need to approve the funds and for City Manager Dove to pursue the agreement with UGA. Fire Study-City Manger Dove reported that enclosed in each folder was a copy of two contracts, the draft the City proposed and the draft the County proposed. Attorney Demott explained further on the City copy the underlined items are new portions and the struck through items have been deleted and are no longer applicable. Attorney Demott recommends reading the contract over he also went over the changes made. Councilman Thigpen asked if the County had a copy of this contract and if we had received any response from them on it; the only response was a change in their contract for the per call basis for payment. City Manager Dove was concerned with being charged an administrative fee; a change would need to be made to section 3.2 to address this. Mayor Pro tem Root had concerns with the length of the contract. Mayor Dean stated that we were told point blank that we would not be providing service long term. The interim contract will terminate at the end of the year. There is a 90 day provision for the County to notify the City of its intent. Fire Chief Raymond Fulcher voiced his concerns with having problems budgeting. Councilman Thigpen stated that we can not budget for out of the County after January 1, 2005. Chief Fulcher asked if we were to request mutual aid from North Columbia, would we have to pay them; the response was no as we are the ones the County have contracted with. He also asked if we are requested for mutual aid, would we get paid; the response was yes and for the same reason. Chief Fulcher would like to see the contract term be for at least two years. Councilman Thigpen feels we should hold out for the two years. Valerie Rowell of the Columbia News Times asked about whether the funds received are to be used in the County only? Attorney Demott took out of contract as we would be paid on a per call basis. Council will need to decide whether they want payment on a straight per call basis or use an option of a minimum figure. Mike Rorick stated that he felt the County was looking to privatize. There will be more discussion on Monday night. Other-Councilman Thigpen announced that the Fire Chiefs of the Thomson/McDuffie County fire departments is having a steak dinner at the Thomson Depot on April 30 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for an 8 oz. steak and $15.00 for a 10 oz. steak. The money being raised is for the McDuffie County Relay for Life. The meeting closed at 3:50 p.m. Debra E. Moore City Clerk Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2144 April 12, 2004 Harlem City Hall The City Council of the City of Harlem, Georgia met for the Regular Meeting on Monday, April 12, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall with Mayor Pro tem Root presiding. Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Pro tem Robin M. Root, Councilman Tom Blalock, Councilman Rudolph Dixon, and Councilman John Thigpen; City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore and City Attorney Barry Fleming. ABSENT: Mayor Scott Dean. VISITORS: Rosemary Dixon, Daniel Cason, Mike Rorick, Raymond Fulcher, John McClellan, Franklin Jennings, Valerie Rowell, Ann Blalock and Jerry Baldwin. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro tem Root at 7:00 p.m. The Invocation was given by Councilman Dixon. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Thigpen. Approval of the Minutes-A motion was made by Councilman Thigpen to accept the minutes of the March 8, 2004 Regular Meeting as written; 2nd by Councilman Dixon. Motion carried; all in favor. Reports-The following reports were given for the month of March 2004: Police Department-Councilman Thigpen Fire Department-Chief Raymond Fulcher-Rob Lewis has completed his Mod 1 training; Paul Duckworth will be conducting a First Responder Class; Paul Duckworth and Tripp Lonergan attended training on flammable liquids. ITT Department-Mayor Pro tem Root Administrative Department-City Manager Jean R. Dove-Due to the demographics of the County we did not receive the RBEG grant (funds to use with the TE Project). Public Works Department-Public Works Superintendent Daniel Cason UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Project Updates-Engineer John McClellan- a. Wastewater Treatment Plant-Mr. McClellan reported that there was a change order on the table from Ridge Environmental; he is waiting on the information. Team Excavation should be starting this week (April 18); it should take 2-3 weeks to complete the liner project. They are using Kaolin. The pond will have to be tested for 2 weeks for seepage. Mr. McClellan expects the plant to be online by the end of May.
Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2145 April 12, 2004 Continued from page 2144
Project Updates-Engineer John McClellan (cont’d)- b. Shady Grove Sewer/McArthur Drive Project-A completed set of plans had been received today. A copy will be given to EPD for approval; he’s hoping to get a contingent approval and not have to wait on the completion of the pond. Mr. McClellan has given City Manager Dove the easement map to start the easements. The bid date has been set for May 25; start the newspaper ad around April 21. There should be a month of easement work and a month of EPD (possibly), contingent on the weather. Councilman Thigpen would like the project to be prioritized and would like to start on the backside first. Mayor Pro tem Root questioned if all the easements needed to be completed before starting; it is best to have them all completed as it could possibly slow up progress. c. TE Project-The right of way plans have been sent off. Mr. McClellan is waiting on the comments. The previous comments received are now on the draftsman table. There are some issues they are addressing now (pop up irrigation, etc.). The RBEG grant was part of the funding; the City has been denied for receipt. We will need to get with DOT on additional funding. Update on Zoning Ordinance-City Manager Dove did not have anything to report on this item tonight. She had had two meeting scheduled with Lori Sands but both had been cancelled. Fire Study-Councilman Thigpen stated that he had a problem with the length of the contract. He has no problem with the $532.00 per call, but would be more comfortable with a minimum amount then go to per call basis. He wants at least a two year contract. City Attorney Fleming spoke with the Mayor who told him that the County originally wanted the contract short term. He suggested taking the previous contract and modifying it to what had been discussed at the City/County meetings. Look at the minimum calls per month and length of the contract. He likes the current contract; wants automatic renewal; it is in the contract. Councilman Blalock stated that a minimum amount of commitment from the County would reassure the citizens both inside and outside the city limits. Chief Fulcher has concerns with being forced back into the city limits and with the response time and quality of work that will be provided to those outside the city limits. He wants to keep the current district and continue providing the quality service that we’ve always provided. Councilman Thigpen stated that the County’s original contract put stipulations on the money; this contract does not. He asked if we could table this until further changes are made. City Attorney Fleming stated that Council will need to make decisions.
Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2146 April 12, 2004 Continued from page 2145
UNFINISHED BUSINESS (cont’d): Fire Study (cont’d)- Councilman Thigpen made a motion to revise the contract to reflect the two year contract length and put in a minimal amount of pay (10-15 per month); 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Discussion-City Attorney Fleming stated we need to do minimum calls or cash basis. If based on cash basis would have to increase the percentage for standard of living. He suggests doing on per call basis. Councilman Blalock recommends doing 50% of past years calls (fire, first responder, etc. outside city for last 2 years). Chief Fulcher questioned if by signing the contract does this replace HB 489; Attorney Fleming responded it does not, it only supplements it. After the end of the contract we would go into negotiations. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to revise the original motion to a minimum cash to equal 50% of calls per month plus 5% increase per year and to include the two year length of the contract with renewal; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. NEW BUSINESS: SPLOST Funding-Bond Issue-City Manager Dove reported that at the City/County meeting, the County reported that they were looking into doing a bond on the Tier I level of the SPLOST for 2006-2010. They wanted to know if either City or both would want to get on the bond with them. Mayor Dean had expressed an interest. Mayor Pro tem Root asked Attorney Fleming if the bond issue had to go to referendum; he responded that it did not, that the SPLOST issue goes to referendum then you go to the bond market. A question of who will bear the cost of the bond came up but the County had not addressed this issue. Attorney Fleming stated that if the County took care of it would be a win-win situation. Councilman Dixon made a motion to table this item until City Manager Dove can get more information on the administrative costs; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor. Ordinance-Flood Control Management-City Manager Dove reported that we would need two readings of the ordinance. This is state mandated and is an update to the Ordinance passed in 1977. Todd Baldwin has received certification as a Flood Control Manager. Mayor Pro tem Root read the ordinance. Councilman Dixon made a motion to accept the Flood Control Management Ordinance as read; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to have the 2nd reading; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. Mayor Pro tem Root had the 2nd reading. Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2147 April 12, 2004 Continued from page 2146 NEW BUSINESS (cont’d): UGA Agreement-Job Classifications & Compensation Plan-This item was discussed at the retreat in November. UGA will do an overhaul of our current job descriptions and pay. They will come in to speak with the employees to find out what they do. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to contract with UGA for the upgrade of the City’s job descriptions and pay scale; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to amend his original motion to include a budget adjustment from contingency to contractual agreement in the amount of $4,500.00 for the cost of the project; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. Announcements- April 13 Ollie’s Army Team Meeting 5 pm Library April 14 Community Breakfast 7 am HMS April 15 Income Tax Deadline April 17 Golf Tournament-Relay for Life April 17 Women Area Aglow 10 am HUMC April 17 Big Dawg Car Show HHS April 19-23 City Government Week April 19 Mock City Council Meeting 9 am April 20 Health Fair City Hall 10-2 April 20 Mayor and Council Car Wash-Relay for Life April 21 Administrative Professional Day April 22 Earth Day Assemble NHE 2 pm April 23-24 Relay for Life April 24 Grovetown Heritage Festival April 27 District GMA Listening Session 6 pm Museum April 30 Newcomers Dessert Night 7 pm Library May 1 Historic Preservation Tall Tales of Harlem 7pm Library May 6 Work Session 6:30 pm May 10 Regular Monthly Council Meeting Public Comment-There was none at this time. Executive Session-Personnel-Councilman Dixon made a motion to move to Executive Session; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor. Councilman Blalock made a motion to take a 5 minute break before going into Executive Session; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting broke for a five minute break at 7:57 p.m. Executive Session began at 8:05 p.m.
Regular Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2148 April 12, 2004 Continued from page 2147 NEW BUSINESS (cont’d): Executive Session (cont’d): Councilman Dixon made a motion to come out of Executive Session; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried, all in favor. Executive Session adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Councilman Thigpen made a motion for Mayor Pro tem Root to sign the Affidavit affirming that nothing was discussed in Executive Session other than what was noted and that no decisions were made at that time; 2nd by Councilman Dixon. Motion carried; all in favor. Attorney Fleming announced that on a Personnel issue there was no final action to be taken at this time. Attorney Fleming announced that on the Personnel issue in regard to the hiring of a Municipal Court Solicitor for a 1 year term there was a recommendation of hiring Attorney Bob Cofer. A motion was made by Councilman Thigpen to take the recommendation to hire Bob Cofer as the Municipal Court Solicitor for a 1 year term at the rate of $200.00 per month; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. Other-Movement of funds to higher interest bearing checking accounts-Councilman Thigpen made a motion to authorize City Manager Dove to move City funds to higher interest rate accounts; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. Councilman Dixon made a motion to adjourn the meeting; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debra E. Moore
Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2149 April 16, 2004 Harlem City Hall The City Council of the City of Harlem, Georgia met for a Called Meeting on Friday, April 16, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. at Harlem City Hall with Mayor Scott Dean presiding. Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Scott Dean, Mayor Pro tem Robin M. Root, Councilman Tom Blalock, and Councilman Rudolph Dixon; City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore, and City Attorney Barry Fleming. ABSENT: Councilman John Thigpen. VISITORS: Valerie Rowell, Ann Blalock, Raymond Fulcher and Jerry Baldwin. Purpose: 1.) Fire Study 2.) SPLOST Projects-Bond 3.) Executive Session-Legal The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dean at 9:00 a.m. The Invocation was given by Councilman Dixon. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Attorney Fleming. Fire Study-Mayor Dean announced that there is a called meeting at noon with the Grovetown City Council. The County is not favorable in their remarks concerning the cities. The County is prepared to come into our district (N. Columbia, Martinez). This is not safe for our citizens. Attorney Fleming brought an updated copy of the contract. Mayor Pro tem Root, Councilman Thigpen and City Manager Dove would just as soon stay with subscription services per HB489. The County technically violated the contract in December by making decision to provide fire service. Comments-Councilman Blalock stated we are committed to following the law; nothing has changed. There is mistrust of the City by the County and vice versa. We have an existing agreement and have an obligation to uphold that agreement. Councilman Dixon questioned who enforces HB489; Attorney Fleming responded that the courts do. Mayor Pro tem Root stated she was in agreement with Councilmen Thigpen and Blalock. Mayor Dean stated that the County does not accept that HB489 (fire protection services) is binding. The County and Cities need to negotiate to change this portion. One party cannot make a change on its own. The City will continue on a subscription basis. Councilman Blalock stated we have to follow the law. Attorney Fleming stated we have a fair position to say we have a contract with the County. There might be a problem with 911 dispatch of sending out calls. The County has taken position not actually action. Mayor Dean stated that if the County puts a truck in the area it does not constitute a violation of the contract; only until they respond to a fire or if additional apparatus shows up. At that point the legal issue would come into play. Mayor Pro tem Root questioned how we would know what 911 calls are ours. Police Chief Jerry Baldwin responded that they monitor the calls at the Police Station. The County has no fire houses in the area at this time. City Manager Dove feels that 911 will forward the calls to Martinez to dispatch. Chief Baldwin stated Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2150 April 16, 2004 Continued from page 2149 Fire Study (cont’d): that the County (Sheriff’s) will forward the 911 calls to us. Councilman Blalock voiced concerns with the response time and water supply issue (them hooking up to our system). Councilman Dixon questioned whether the changes that were made at Council had been delivered to the County; Mayor Dean responded they had not, that we had them here today and we can deliver them to them. He noted that Grovetown’s changes were declined. Attorney Fleming questioned how did the City respond; we had sent in a new contract but received no response. Mayor Dean stated he had had a conversation with Attorney Fleming and he recommended that we eliminate the 3rd to last paragraph as we chose to go with the subscription service. We need to discuss with Grovetown for the time period. SPLOST Projects-Bond-Mayor Dean asked Council, pending their approval, to allow City Manager Dove and him to look getting more information on the bond issue and at the possibility of doing a GEFA loan for the Tier I portion of the 2006-2010 SPLOST. Councilman Blalock made a motion to authorize City Manager Dove and Mayor Dean to research and select the best option for bonding or loan for the Tier I portion of the 2006-2010 SPLOST; 2nd by Councilman Dixon. Discussion-Mayor Dean stated they will come back to Council for approval before any decisions are made. Mayor Pro tem Root stated that she does not agree with bonding with the County. Councilman Blalock stated that we need to look for the least costly. Motion carried; all in favor. Executive Session-Legal-Mayor Pro tem Robin Root made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss a legal issue; 2nd by Councilman Dixon. Motion carried; all in favor. Executive Session began at 9:38 a.m. Councilman Dixon made a motion to adjourn Executive Session; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. Executive Session adjourned at 9:45 a.m. Councilman Dixon made a motion for Mayor Dean to sign the Affidavit stating that nothing was discussed other than a legal issue and that no decisions were made; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. Mayor Pro tem Root made a motion to adjourn the meeting; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debra E. Moore Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2151 April 26, 2004 Harlem City Hall The City Council of the City of Harlem, Georgia met for a Called Meeting on Monday, April 26, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at Harlem City Hall with Mayor Scott Dean presiding. Present: COUNCILMEMBERS: Mayor Scott Dean, Mayor Pro tem Robin M. Root, Councilman Tom Blalock, and Councilman John Thigpen; City Manager Jean R. Dove, City Clerk Debra E. Moore, and City Attorney Barry Fleming. ABSENT: Councilman Rudolph Dixon. VISITORS: See attached list. Purpose: 1.) SPLOST Agreement 2.) Fire Agreement 3.) Wastewater Lines 4.) Fire Department-Public Safety The meeting was called to order by Mayor Dean at 7:00 p.m. The Invocation was given by Public Works Superintendent Daniel Cason. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Blalock. SPLOST Agreement-Mayor Dean stated that he would entertain a motion to accept the proposed Intergovernmental Agreement for SPLOST Projects for the 2006-2010 time period. Councilman Thigpen made that motion; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Discussion-Attorney Fleming questioned if there was any reference to the bond in this agreement; Mayor Dean responded that there was no reference to the bond that it would come up later. The City will receive 2.7%; Tier I is $1.4 mi, Tier II is $459,000.00 and Tier III is $837,000.00. Motion carried; all in favor. Fire Agreement-Mayor Dean presented the agreement with Columbia County for fire service. It is back dated to January 1, 2004 and will terminate December 31, 2004. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to accept the Interim Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Services; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Discussion-Mayor Dean reported meeting with Pam Tucker, Steve Szablewski and Commissioner Lee Anderson last week. After the actions of the Grovetown City Council, there have been a few minor changes to the contract. Columbia County voted on Friday to accept the Contract with the changes. We will be paid on a per call basis in the amount of $532.00 per call. Mayor Dean called for anymore discussion. Councilman Thigpen pointed out that there were a couple of typographical errors that he wanted to address. In section 5.6, the date was listed as “tenth (15th)”. The correct date is the 15th. Pam Tucker stated we just needed to cross out the “tenth” and insert the “fifteenth”. Mike Baldwin of the Harlem Fire Department questioned whether this contract made any provisions for extensions or renewals of time; Mayor Dean responded that this one did not. In their meeting last week, there was discussion of talks starting in July for extensions and renewals after the December 31, Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2152 April 26, 2004 Continued from page 2151
Fire Agreement (cont’d)- 2004 contract termination date. Mayor Dean recognized Commissioner Lee Anderson for any comments he might have had. Fireman Todd Root brought up the topic of sub stations in the unincorporated area. Pam Tucker addressed this issue. At this time with the use of the GIS system, the County is mapping out 5 mile radiuses to locate areas for them. Mayor Dean stated that the City will have the option to maintain and man them. The Mayor called for any other discussion, being none he called for a vote. Motion carried, all in favor. Wastewater Lines-Mayor Dean recognized Superintendent Cason. Mr. Cason wanted to report on the dirt outside of the gates at the Sewer Treatment plant. The dirt is being tested by CSRA Labs; should have the results by Thursday, April 29, afternoon. In reference to the gate valves at the plant, one had been broken by Mark Vaughn of Ridge Environmental. John McClellan recommends replacing all three because of their age. Mr. McClellan got a price of $500.00 a piece and we would install them ourselves. This item will come out of the maintenance portion of the sewer budget. On the slip lining for the other 150 ft. coming into the plant, Mr. McClellan recommends we go ahead and put in another line from manhole to manhole within the fence. Daniel recommends putting in 140 ft. in order to miss the fiber optic cables in the area. Mayor Dean questioned Daniel on the cost of this project; Mr. Cason responded that he was given an estimate of $7,600.00 to $7,800.00 from Mr. McClellan. Mayor Dean called for a motion to approve the Dig & Replacement of 140ft line and to approve a recommended budget adjustment from contingency to maintenance in the amount of $8,000.00 to pay for this project. Councilman Blalock made this motion; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Root. Motion carried; all in favor. Fire Department-Public Safety-Mayor Dean recognized Councilman Thigpen and turned this over to him. City Manager Dove had met with the Fire Department and announced that we were going to start discussions on the possibility of forming a Public Safety department and extended an invitation to the men to attend. Mayor Dean recognized Al Robinson of the Grovetown Public Safety Department at this time to give “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of making this change/transition. Mr. Robinson stated that one of the biggest misconceptions is that the police officers are taking over the fire department and vice versa. It’s a long term process. They sent police officers to Basic 101 to become firefighters. They have kept those who strictly wanted to be police officers as police officers and those that wanted to be strictly firefighters as firefighters. The two divisions are separate. Training is mandatory for both. One of the hardest things is finding those that are crossed trained. Assistant Chief Mike Baldwin voiced his concerns with funding and the equipment. Councilman Thigpen responded that the budgets for the police department and fire department will be separate and will stay separate. Mayor Dean Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2153 April 26, 2004 Continued from page 2152 Fire Department-Public Safety (cont’d)- stated that since we now have signed the contract, we need to go ahead and order the equipment that had been approved in this year’s budget as we should have a check on the way from the County. Another concern had to do with the command structure. He had no problem with the head of the department, but how do you determine the officers; presently they choose their own officers. They feel they should still have input in the choice of the command. There would have to be amendments made to the SOP’s pertaining to the police officers. He also has concerns with the trust issue between the different departments. Another concern had to do with money; he feels that we should do away with the part-time employees and use the money towards equipment (air packs, bottles, etc.). Councilman Thigpen agrees there is a trust issue; he concurs with the training. We would definitely have to look at the part time employee issue, but does not want it look like we are backing up. Mr. Robinson stated that to begin with they did not have a command structure in their fire department until they had a majority of full time firefighters. There can be conflict when you have a volunteer giving orders to a paid firefighter. Fireman Steve Camp questioned what type of structure the Grovetown Public Safety Department has. Chief Robinson responded with the following: Director of Public Safety Captain Fire Dept. Captain Police Dept. Lieutenant Fire Dept. Sergeants Police Dept. Corporals Fire Dept. Corporals Police Dept. Councilman Blalock questioned Chief Robinson what were some of the shortcomings and disadvantages of going to Public Safety. Chief Robinson responded that the main shortcoming would be growing and not having the employees to cover the area. There would be more to do. Expense would come into play with having to get new uniforms, equipment, etc. Councilman Thigpen questioned what affect this had on Grovetown’s ISO rating; Chief Robinson responded that it did not. They are currently 5/9. Mayor Pro tem Root questioned if they had officers in their volunteer fire department and how did they graduate into the Public Safety department. They were hired in as part-time and eventually became full-time. The officers were graduated in; there was no longer a chief, he became a captain. Everyone was absorbed, but it was still one department with Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2154 April 26, 2004 Continued from page 2153 Fire Department-Public Safety (cont’d)- volunteers. There was a misconception that there would be a police department and a fire department and no volunteers. It is one department with volunteers. Chief Robinson stated that they had found they had more opportunity for grants as a Public Safety Department. City Manager Dove questioned if they had started out with a committee for review or did the Mayor and Council do. Chief Robinson responded that they gathered information and ideas from other cities including their department policy manuals and Mayor and Council made the final decision. Councilman Blalock made a motion to table this issue temporarily or longer until can get further information together. Councilman Thigpen asked Councilman Blalock to withdraw his motion. Councilman Blalock withdrew his motion. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to form a committee to review. Fireman Scott Johnson spoke at this time commending Mayor, Council and City Manager for wanting to form a committee he suggests they include the fire department, police department, and Council. He feels they should do this committee now instead of tabling the issue. Councilman Thigpen stated that Councilman Blalock had already withdrawn his motion to table the issue. Councilman Thigpen’s motion died for lack of a 2nd. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to form a five person committee appointed by Mayor Dean to include members of the fire department, police department and Council as he sees fit; 2nd by Councilman Blalock. Councilman Blalock made a motion to amend Councilman Thigpen’s motion for each organization to select their representatives to the committee; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Discussion-Mayor Pro tem Root stated at this time that she was not totally in favor of going to Public Safety but was glad they we were going to do a committee to review this option. Councilman Blalock stated that he was not totally in favor of Public Safety and didn’t think the others were either. Mr. Johnson suggested expanding on the committee at large to include a citizen from the community in order to stop any stalemate. Councilman Blalock moved to call the question to stop anymore discussion; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Mayor Dean called for a vote on the current motion. Motion carried; all in favor. Councilman Thigpen made a motion to authorize City Manager Dove to constitute the committee and make up a list to include people from the community, people from the fire department, people from the police department which may include people involved in those departments; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Root. Councilman Blalock moved to call the question; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Root. Motion carried; all in favor. Councilman Blalock made a motion to show a vote of confidence and would like to thank the Mayor for his efforts in the fire arena; 2nd by Mayor Pro tem Root. Motion carried; all in favor. At this time Councilman Blalock presented Mayor Dean with a new gavel. Called Meeting, City of Harlem, Georgia Page 2155 April 26, 2004 Continued from page 2154 Mayor Pro tem Root made a motion to adjourn the meeting; 2nd by Councilman Thigpen. Motion carried; all in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debra E. Moore VISITORS LIST CALLED MEETING APRIL 26, 2004 Valerie Rowell |