MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING MUNICIPALANNEX MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024  6:00 P.M.  The regularly scheduled meeting of the Mayor and City Council was held on the date, time and  location stated above. PRESENT:  Doug P. Roper, III, Mayor Raymond Turner, Mayor Pro-Tem Cecil Thompson, Councilmember Bob Dixon, Councilmember Jennifer Evans, Councilmember Loyd Mobley, Councilmember Bill Bedingfield, City Manager Daniel O'Connor, City Attorney Kellie Murray, City Clerk Tonya Parker, DVA Director Alexa Britton, CVB Director Brian Sikes, Fire Chief James Jermon, Police Chief Tony Hall, ESG Project Manager Scott Strickland, Recreation Director Billy Ragan, Airport Manager Chad Phillips, City Marshal  CITY: STAFF:  Al listofvisitors is attached.  1. CALL TO ORDER BY MAYOR DOUG P. ROPER, III, WITH INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LED BY REVEREND BERNARD HILL, HARVEST TIME FAITH CENTER. This meeting was opened by Mayor Roper. Reverend Bernard gave the Invocation Hill of Harvest Time Faith Center, who also led those in attendance in the Pledge of  Allegiance.  2.  DISCUSSION/APPROVALOF THE. AGENDA.  An motion was made by Councilmember Loyd Mobley to approve agenda as written. A second motion was made by Councilmember Bob Dixon. This motion passed  unanimously.    3. 4.  PUBLIC COMMENTS:  Mr. Jesse Gillis was not present at this meeting.  DISCUSSION/APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA  Councilmember Raymond Turner made the motion to approve the consent agenda as written. A second motion was made by Councilmember Bob Dixon. This motion passed  unanimously.  5. PINE CREST CEMETERY UPDATE:  Harry Moses presented an update on Pine Crest Cemetery Trust II. He distributed one (1) handout to Mayor and Council. Chair John Ladson thanks city officials for their help  and support of] Pine Crest Cemetery.  6. LYNN MOORE, TOOMBS COUNTY EMA: UPDATE ON EF-1 TORNADO AND UPDATE COUNTY-WIDE EMERGENCY  NOTIFICATION SYSTEM, I-PAWS.  Mr. Moore advised council the National Weather Service from Peachtree City declared an EF-1 tornado with 90 MPH winds did pass through Vidalia last Thursday afternoon; however, even with the damage that resulted from this storm, Toombs County does not qualify for FEMA assistance. Mr. Moore discussed the I-PAWS system currently in the  testing stages.  7.  TOURISM/CHAMBER UPDATE Downtown Vidalia Association (DVA) Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau (VCVB) Greater Vidalia Chamber Vidalia Onion Festival Sweet Onion GolfAuthority  Tonya Parker Alexa Britton Michele. Johnson Jake Cleghorn Andy Woodruff  Mayor Roper extended his thanks to all members oft the Onion Festival Committee for their time and dedication. He also presented an update on the golf course advising  council the status of the clubhouse and range. FINANCIAL REPORT: the month of April.  8.  City Manager Bill Bedingfield presented the financial report to Mayor and Council for DISCUSSION/APPROVALTOAPPOINT JOSH BECKA AS CITY MANAGER OFTHE CITY OF VIDALIA. MR. BECK WAS NAMED SOLE FINALIST IN THE SEARCH TO FILLTHE VACANT CITY MANAGER POSITION ON APRIL 12, 2024. HIS  9.    APPOINTMENT WILL: BE EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2024.  Mayor Roper advised the search for a City Manager has been officially suspended with ar recommendation to approve Josh Beck as City Manager oft the City ofVidalia to be effective June 1, 2024. Councilmember Loyd Mobley made the motion to approve the appointment of. Josh Beck as City Manager. Councilmember Raymond made the second  motion to approve and this motion passed unanimously.  10. DISCUSSION/APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENTS APPLICATION FOR DVA'S "SWEET SATURDAY" EVENTS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 8, JULY 13, AND AUGUST 10, 2024. THIS APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED BY DVA DIRECTOR, TONYA PARKER, AND ROAD CLOSURES REQUESTED INCLUDE JACKSON ST., MEADOWS ST., AND CHURCH ST. FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL The motion to approve special events application for "Sweet Saturday" was made by Councilmember Bob Dixon with a second motion made by Councilmember Jennifer  4:00 P.M.  Evans. This motion passed unanimously.  11. DISCUSSION/APPROVALOF SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT FOR VIDALIA'S "ONE LOVE" JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION SUBMITTED BYI MELISSA DURDEN. THIS EVENTI IS SCHEDULED SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2024, FROM 3:00 PM UNTIL 10:00 PM AT RONNIE A DIXON CITY PARK. ONE ROAD CLOSURE IS REQUESTED: DURDEN STREET FROM 9:00 AM Councilmember Raymond Turner made the motion to approve the special events application for the Juneteenth celebration at Ronnie Al Dixon City Park. A second motion was made by Councilmember Jennifer Evans and this motion passed  UNTIL12:00 MIDNIGHT.  unanimously.  12. DISCUSSION/APPROVALOF RESOLUTION #24-002: AMENDMENT OF 2024 GENERAL FUND BUDGET. THIS AMENDMENT WASAPPROVED FEBRUARY 12, 2024, TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DERELICT Councimember Bob Dixon made the motion to approve this budget amendment with a second motion made by councilmember Loyd Mobley. This motion passed  PROPERTY. unanimously.    13. DISCUSSION/APPROVAL - OF ORDINANCE #24-003: 2023-2025 GMEBS DEFINED BENEFIT AMENDED AND RESTATED ADOPTION AGREEMENT. THIS ORDINANCE ADOPTS AMENDMENTS AND RESTATES THE RETIREMENT PLAN FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF' THE CITY OF VIDALIAAND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF VIDALIA. Ar motion was made by Councilmember Raymond Turner to approve the amended and restated adoption agreement with GMEBS Defined Benefit Plan. A second motion was made by Councilmember Loyd Mobley and this motion passed unanimously. 14. DISCUSSION/APPROVALTO AWARD BID SUBMITTED FOR STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS - CALHOUN STREETTO SA BROWN ENTERPRISES, INC. IN' THE. AMOUNT OFS $148,800.00 WITH THE FUND SOURCE OF LRA (LOCAL ROAD ASSISTANCE) GRANT. THIS GRANT HAS A ZERO MATCH REQUIREMENT.  BIDDER  AMOUNT $148,800.00 158,550.28 215,370.00  SAI Brown Enterprises, Inc. McLendon Enterprises, Inc. Sikes Brothers, Inc.  Amotion was made to approve the award to SAI Brown Enterprises, Inc. with a bid of$148,800.00 to be paid from fund source. LMIG-LRA grant by Councilmember Loyd Mobley. A: second motion was made by Councilmember  Jennifer Evans. This motion passed unanimously.  15. DISCUSSION/APPROVALTO PURCHASE ONE BILLY GOAT VAC FROM ALSTON SAW SHOP, INC. AT A COST OF $5,380.00 FROM Councilmember Bob Dixon made the motion to approve this purchase of one (1) Billy Goat Vac at a cost of $5,380.00 tol be paid from SPLOST.A: second motion was made by Councilmember Loyd Mobley. This motion passed unanimously.  FUND SOURCE: SPLOST.  16. DISCUSSION/APPROVAL - OF EMERGENCY REPAIR COSTTO WELL: #4 BY MCLENDON ENTERPRISES ATA COST OF $8,650.00 By the motion to approve the repair ofwell #4, it was acknowledged this was an emergency repair at a cost of $8,650.00 to be paid from SPLOST. The motion was made by Councilmember Jennifer Evans with a second motion made by Councilmember  TO BE PAID FROM SPLOST.    Raymond Turner. This motion passed unanimously.  17. DISCUSSION/APPROVALOF RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD SUBMITTED BY ESG ENGINEERING FOR LIFT STATIONS - 2,6, AND 26 UPGRADES. RECOMMENDED BIDDER IS MCLENDON ENTERPRISES WITH A LOW BID OFS1,907,557.50.  FUND SOURCE: GEFA GRANT  Councilmember Raymond Turner made the motion to approve the award oft this bid to McLendon Enterprises with a low bidofs1,907,557.50 to be paid from the remaining GEFA Grant. A second motion was made by Councilmember Bob Dixon. This motion  passed unanimously.  18. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:  a.  Brian Sikes, Fire Chief b. James Jermon, Police Chief C. Tony Hall, Project Manager-E ESG d. Scott Strickland, Recreation Director e. Billy Ragan, Airport Manager Chad Phillips, City Marshal  f.  Police Chief. James Jermon reported GDOT permits have been approved and all FLOCK cameras should be installed by June 1St. The Vidalia Animal Control is also participating in an animal adoption event to bel held at Jack Hill State Park in Reidsville, GA. ESG Project Mgr., Tony Hall, stated his monthly report has been submitted in a revised format to provide additional information. Mr. Hall also discussed debris collection from Recreation Director Scott Strickland requested approval toj proceed applying fora grant. Councilmember Loyd Mobley made the motion to approve with a second motion made by Councilmember Raymond Turner. This motion passed unanimously. Airport Manager, Billy Ragan advised he will host al Legislative fly-in on Wednesday,  the most recent storm.  May 15.A tour of the airport and lunch will be provided.  19. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT  City Manager Bill Bedingfield stated all items on his report have been addressed with  previous agenda items.    20. EXECUTIVE SESSION PER O.C.G.A. $50-14-4, FOR THE PURPOSE  OF PERSONNEL.  With ai need to enter Executive Session, Councilmember Raymond Turner made the motion to enter Executive Session with a second motion made by Councilmember Councilmember Loyd Mobley made the motion to exit from Executive Session and return to regular session. A second motion was made by Councilmember Bob Dixon. This City Manager Bill Bedingfield made a request to move the pay scale of the Utility Billing Clerk position to Paygrade 13/S Step 1. This moves the starting pay for this position to $15.28 per hour. Councilmember Loyd Mobley made the motion to approve this request with a second motion made by Councilmember Bob Dixon. The vote 4-1 to approve the  Jennifer Evans. This motion passed unanimously.  motion was unanimous.  motion.  21. ADJOURN  With no further business to address, Councilmember Bob Dixon made ai motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Raymond Turner. This motion  passed unanimously.  AFFIRMATION  Weaffirm that these minutes are correct and true toi form as presented to the Mayor and  City Council on. June 10, 2024.  MA Dougb Roper,  E  Hats    CITY OF VIDALIA  EXECUTIVE SESSION AFFIDAVIT  (1) Pursuant to my duties as Mayor, Iwas the presiding officer of a meeting of the Vidalia City Council held on the 13th day of MAY, 2024. A portion of said meeting was (2) lam competent to make this Affidavit and' have personal knowledge oft the matters set (3) Iti is my understanding that O.C.G.A. S 50-14-4(b) provides as follows: When any meeting of an agency is closed to the public pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, the person presiding over such meeting or, if the agency's policy sO provides, each member of the governing body of the agency attending such meeting, shall execute and file with the official minutes of the meeting a notarized affidavit stating under oath that the subject matter of the meeting or the closed portion thereof was devoted to matters within the exceptions provided by law and identifying the specific (4) The subject matter of said meeting, or the closed portion thereof, was devoted to matters within exceptions to public disclosure provided by law. Those specific relevant A. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the settlement of a matter covered by the attorney-client privilege as provided in Georgia Code Section 50-14-2(1) and  closed to the public. forth herein.  relevant exception.  exceptions are identified as follows: [Circle relevant item(s)]  50-14-3(b)(1)A). The subject discussed was (Identify the case or claim discussed).  B. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize negotiations to purchase, dispose of or lease property as provided in Georgia Code Section 50-14-3(b)(1)(B). C. Meeting to discuss or vote to authorize the ordering of an appraisal related to the acquisition or disposal of real estate as provided in Georgia Code Section D. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into a contract to purchase, dispose of, or lease property subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in E. Meeting to discuss or vote to enter into an option to purchase, dispose of, or lease real estate subject to approval in a subsequent public vote as provided in F. Meeting to discuss or deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee as provided in Georgia Code Section 50- G. Meeting to interview one or more applicants for the position of the executive head of an agency as provided in Georgia Code Section 50-14-3(b)(2). H. Pursuant to the attorney-client privilege and as provided by Georgia Code Section 50-14-2(1), a meeting otherwise required to be open was closed to the public in order to consult and meet with legal counsel pertaining to pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the agency or any officer or employee or in which the agency or any officer or employee may be directly  50-14-3(b)(1)(C).  Georgia Code Section 50-14-3(D)1)(D). Georgia Code Section 50-14-3(D)(1)(E).  14-3(b)(2).  involved and the matter discussed was_ [Identify the matter onlyl.    Staff meeting held for investigative purposes under duties or responsibilities imposed by law as provided by Georgia Code Section 50-14-3(a)(1). J. Meeting to consider records or portions of records exempt from public inspection or disclosure pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Titie 50 of the Georgia Code because there are no reasonable means to consider the record without  disclosing the exempt portions.  This Affidavit is executed for the purpose of complying with the mandate of O.C.G.A. $50-14-4(b) and is tol be filed with the official minutes fort the aforementioned meeting.  This 13th day of May, 2024  BY: AAA  1  MayorDoug Roper, I, Presiding Officer  3  MICHELL Comm. 10/26/27  8S 3  Swprn to and subscribed before me oni the aboye indicated date. thanie Tuihlupa  Notay Public, State of Georgia, Commission  Expires 10A61R2  (Although the same is not mandatory, the following parties concur with the accuracy oft this Affidavit)  Cecil Thompson John Raymond Turner Jennifer Evans Loyd Mobley Bob Dixon  au  CAAR   <  NOTE: This formi ist tol be used on all meetings oft the City of Vidalia when four (4) or more council members are present.    COUNCIL MEETING - PLEASE SIGN IN  DATE OF MEETING: 5/133034  NAME SYiPs MALE H PR A S ALKa AnHou at D S4HAar et VyAC A Coyleb BuL TALRs A 67 Willn Coney YMMG BkCK AZAACbuAn. JOABAL BM LOORA Aen odlees Jhngs acue Cs A1064 S71LES pcet SDL KMi SEAE - uw TOW FM tov MegAlhan Shaun OLNe BeIaRA aal L Worllagl F Dprsplooay ngh hrlin Whoz Ang Chls Ee D4  ADDRESS Marckel  HEH TEMA radro ones OSE6 u ESG CEmpbype CVB AE  I  C   CO L C CA  7  BEtnal Cry Cony5Sps 38  Bounute 3  Dblg  Aigpot Mdelia t E'sG idaligcp Mdolia ek t 1 DV7  ViaaSGa 603M:KeS.  1309 Brnmmete Purkr 55 Hnhc LiIz BLpSN S Midala 407 DuihrSt. Vidclllo CA VdaligGh 09w. Ioab S7. 199Moonksst idada  VALEA Vp    COUNCIL MEETING - PLEASE SIGN IN  DATE OF MEETING:  NAME  ADDRESS l-GM  Dhy Ladsoz 4 Sunskyr LE5 JalsNsly Faha uuno BABPNEE  1761 Cerifer Dr bt 214 W Smallen DVd,a 2104w, Suna ypr Vdo, 33Masnungtois Vidalia