CITV OF  Cleveland  GEORGIA  Cleveland City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, October 2, 2023. - 6:30 P.M. Cleveland Community Center/Police Department 342 Campbell Street, Cleveland, GA  1. Call to Order  Mayor Turner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  PRESENT:  Mayor Josh Turner, Council Members Nan Bowen,Jeremy McClure (Mayor Pro Tem), Also present were City Administrator Kevin Harris, City Attorney Keith Whitaker, and  and C.J. McDonald City Clerk Lisa Ritchie  2. Invocation - Senior Pastor Dr. Phil Weaver, Cleveland First Baptist Church,  and White County Ministerial Alliance  3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approve Agenda  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald, and voted, unanimously, to approve the agenda with amendments to postpone item number 7 until the next meeting and to add an Executive Session for pending  litigation. PRESENTATIONS  5. Proclamation recognizing the WRWH's 65th Anniversary  Mayor Turner read the Proclamation. The Mayor and Council presented the Proclamation to Dean Dyer. Mr. Dyer accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the radio station and all of the people working behind the scenes, now and over the past  65 years.    Mayor Turner expressed his appreciation for Mr. Dyer and the radio station. Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted, unanimously, to approve the Proclamation recognizing WRWH's 65th  Anniversary.  6. The Standing Committee on Judicial Workload Assessment Award to Municipal Court of Cleveland for Clearance Rate Excellence  Ms. Ritchie addressed the Mayor and Council Members. She announced that the Judicial Council's Standing Committee on Judicial Workload Assessment recognized the city of Cleveland's municipal court as a Clearance Rate Excellence Award recipient. She said the achievement reflects Cleveland court's dedication, efficiency, and commitment to ensuring timely resolution of cases as only 10% of Municipal Courts in Georgia are recognized as demonstrating exceptional performance in maintaining Judge Garrison Baker, Solicitor Greg Futch, and Court Clerk Charlie LaVelle were in attendance and provided with the award. Public Defender Todd Lord was not in Judge Baker stated his appreciation to the Mayor and Council for the support they have given the court: systems. He said iti is a collaborative team effort which also includes court reporters, interpreters, and the police chief and his administrative staff. He said this award is a great honor and it would not be possible without the Municipal Court Clerk, Charlie LaVelle. He said Charlie works hard and holds their feet to the fire  clearance rates.  attendance.  to keep it going.  7 Prochamation-OmendingtheGeorayVeeanetfameand theirinductees-treedFwhehare-Fem.Wte.e-COUREYAFMYPrvate-Ronda"  -Giaze,lasOn-R--OPARS,andean-0-MeeneynaP  This item was postponed to the next meeting during the adoption of the agenda.  DEPARTMENT REPORTS  8. Economic Development and Planning- Director Tom O'Bryant  September 2023 Report  Mr. O'Bryant addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He discussed the following  September items:  O Occupational Licenses- 3 (Alpine Nutrition, and Jones  Refurbishing)    o Building Permits - 13 (Peaceful Ridge, Parkview, and Aderson Building Inspections - 18 (Atlantic Billboards, Gateway Village, Oak Springs Cottages, and Waffle House) Sign Permits - 2 (Alco Realty, and Cleveland United Plan Reviews - 1 (The Overlook Apartments) Square, Berry IGA, and Wendys) Chastain Appraisal) Grant Applications  LDP)  Methodist)  Current Commercial Activity - 4 (Waffle House, 6 Courthouse Development Inquiries - 3 (Albert Tate, Lightpoint CRE, and  Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant isunder review by ARC in Washington, DC (Wastewater Treatment Plant) EDA Grant application related to Disaster Declaration FEMA-4600-DR, for resiliency relief to help fund the proposed wastewater treatment plant has moved to the final round. Request for additional information is due FEMA AFG-A Administration set up, submitted ladder truck specs and vendor to grant  October 27.  administrator.  GDOTT Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant application for preliminary engineering for sidewalks and crosswalks connecting Freedom Park and City Park revised scoping meeting with the consultant from GDOT added additional work items that will increase workscope and  costs.  o Infrastructure  The Angel Lane developer has received the LDP. Survey ribbons have been placed. The new well (well6) bidding is complete. Award recommendation will be provided by the consultant for award by the Mayor and Council Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is researching well7.  Members.    The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) meeting and discussion regarding potential assistance to Fuller Living LLC.  Finance Director John Solmon addressed the Mayor and Council Members to give the  Finance Report. He discussed the following August items:  Police and Fire (Public Safety) have the largest expenditures Revenues were up and expenditures were down  (55%) of all departments  9. Fire Department = Chief Ricky Pruitt  September 2023 Report  Chief Pruitt addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He reported the following  September items:  Total of 104 Calls: 63 inside the city and 41 in the County White County Fire Department responded 2 times in the city  10. Police Department- - Chief Shoemaker  September 2023 Report  Chief Shoemaker addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He stated that he and Deputy Chief Aaron Weiland nominated Sheena Wright for the Georgia Association Chiefs of Police's Administrative Assistant of the Year award. Chief Shoemaker read the nomination letter. Some of the highlights of the nomination are that Ms. Wright has been employed by the Cleveland Police Department for the past eighteen years, she is highly regarded as a resource to all members of the agency. She consistently demonstrates remarkable dedication, exceptional organizational skills, and a commitment to excellence in her role as an administrative assistant. She is the backbone of the police department and is also relied upon by other employees of other departments within the city. Ms. Wright embraces multiple assignments and is the "go to person" for many things including police reporting, human resources Chief Shoemaker expressed gratification stating that Ms. Wright was chosen as the  related issues, payroll issues, GCIC entry and countless others. Administrative Assistant of the Year for the gth District. Chief Shoemaker reported the following September items:  Total occurrences - 1,963 Public assists - 620 Premise checks- 987 Field interviews - 25    Incident reports - 63 Accident reports -24 Investigative/supplemental-58 Citations Issued - 58 Warnings - 105 Warrants- 21 Juveniles-2 Citations  Misdemeanor, non-traffic-: 5 DUI, Alcohol, & serious offenses-0 Driver's license, Registration, & Insurance-7 Moving violations, traffic control, etc. -3 38 Equipment, seatbelt, etc. -8  11. Public Works Department - Assistant Public Works Director Ricky Hunt Assistant Public Works Director Ricky Hunt addressed the Mayor and Council  September 2023 Report  Members. He reported the following September items:  Inside new Water Cut-In & Sewer-5  Water Quality 1-2 Meter Change Out-11 City Hall Office Maintenance-1 Sewer Backup-2 Dumpster Repair/Replace-1 Check for Leak-17 Final Reading Do Not Lock-1 18 Garbage Request-2 20 Inspection -2  Cut Off and Lock Meter Non-Payment-12 Meeting with Customer-6 Sewer Inspection -1 Snowbird-1 Final Read and Lock Meter - 11 Street Repair-2 Meter Inspection -25 Garbage Service Discontinued-1 Residential Turn On -2 29 Commercial Turn On-2 After Hours Work-3    Seasonal-1 1  City Property Maintenance-3 Street R-O-W Maintenance-2 Meter Readings - Monthly-2274 Meter Re-Reads- = Monthly-25 Utility Locates - 100  Mayor Turner stated that he had been invited to several schools to read about community helpers' week. He said the book that he read to the students was George Caroline Visits City Hall which talks about trash pickup services. He said the White County Pre-K staff told him that the kids' favorite part of the week was to watch the  trash trucks picking up trash. NEW BUSINESS  12. Resolution 2023-24 - Amendment to Board Appointments  Fill the expired term of Ward 2 Council Member to December 31, 2023  Downtown Development Authority  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and  voted, unanimously, to approve the folowingappointments:  Fill the expired term of Ward 2 Council Member to December 31, 2023 Appoint Annie Sutton to serve through the end of 2023 Downtown Development Authority - appoint Kevin Lin  13. Ratify the purchase of furniture and accessories for the fire department Mr. Harris stated that the fire fighters updated their area in city hall with new carpet, ceiling fans, paint, etc. He said this request is for the purchase of furniture and accessories for the fire services area and for the finances to come from SPLOSTV. Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald, and voted, unanimously, to approve the purchase of furniture and accessories for the fire Council Member McClure stated his appreciation for the firefighters saving the city  department with the funding coming from SPLOSTV. money by doing the renovations themselves. 14. Lead and Copper Update  Andrea Smith, Water/Wastewater Supervisor, addressed the Mayor and Council. She stated that there are 2,173 total water service lines in Cleveland's system. Of the 2,173 water lines 1,511 have been identified and they are led free. There are 662    lines to be identified before October 16, 2024. She said they do not expect to find any  lines with lead.  15. Amendment to the 2023 Meeting Schedule  Cancelation of the Called Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, Scheduling a Called Meeting on Thursday, October 12, 2023  2023  Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted, unanimously, to approve the amendments to 2023 Meeting Schedule.  16. Approval of Meeting Minutes  September 11, 2023 Called Meeting Minutes  Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted, unanimously, to approve the minutes of the September 11,2 2023 Called  Meeting.  17. Approval of Executive Session Minutes  September 5, 2023 Executive Session Minutes September 5, 2023 Executive Session Minutes September 11, 2023 Executive Session Minutes September 11, 2023 Executive Session Minutes  Motion by Council Member Bowen, seconded by Council Member McClure, and voted, unanimously, to approve the Executive Session Minutes of the September 5,  2023 Meetings and the September 11, 2023 Meetings.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS  18. Package Store Applications Update  Mr. Harris stated that the city received five applications for package stores. He said one application was denied and the applicant appealed the denial. He said the next steps are to have an alcohol review board meeting to hear the appeal, and have a lottery to choose the three allowed to move forward with plans for package stores. He stated that Wayne Tuck of Walker, Pierce & Tuck, P.C. will run the lottery meeting.  19. Proposed 2023-2024 Benefits  Georgia Municipal Employee's Benefits System (GMEBS) Life & Health Program Employer Declaration & Application for health, vision, and  dental Holidays  Life and AD&D Insurance    Ms. Ritchie stated recommendations as follows:  Renew the employee's benefits with Georgia Municipal Employee's Benefits Life & Health for 2024 with no changes to their current plans Provide $30,000 Life and $30,000 AD&D insurance rather than the current  $10,000 each  Add President's Day to employee holidays  Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member McClure, and voted, unanimously, to accept the renewal of the employee's benefits with Georgia Municipal Employee's Benefits System Life & Health Program employer declaration and application for health, vision, and dental as presented, add President's Day as an additional employee holiday, and provide $50,000 life insurance and $50,000 AD&D  insurance.  20. Award of bid for well #6  Meg Mbugua, P.E., Rindt, addressed the Mayor and Council. She stated that the bids were opened on September 13. American Water was the winning bid for $503,074. Mr. O'Bryant stated that iti is important to build the city's water resources. He expressed appreciation to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for the  property donation.  Mayor Turner stated this is for the new well located on Sebring Drive.  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald, and voted, unanimously, to approve the award of the bid in the amount of $503,074to American Water Specialties for the construction and completion of well number 6on Council Member McDonald expressed his appreciation to Mr. O'Bryant for solicitation  Sebring Drive with funding from SPLOSTV.  to get bidders. PUBLIC COMMENTS  There were no comments from the public. CITY ADMINISTRATOR KEVIN HARRIS Mr. Harris discussed the following items:  RFP for the Real Estate Broker Services regarding the disposition of property owned by the City of Cleveland formerly known as the "Talon Property", at: 19 Campbell Street is listed on the state registry until October 31, 2023. An meeting of the Alcohol Review Board will be held on October 16 at 6:30 for  organization and to hear the applicant's appeal.    Expression of appreciation regarding the Mayor and Council's vote to approve Ms. Ritchie's recommendations and to increase the life and AD&D insurance. He said Cleveland has a good strong staff and the Mayor and Council's decision  to maintain good benefits encourages employee retention.  CITY ATTORNEY KEITH WHITAKER  Mr. Whitaker did not have any items to report.  ANNOUNCEMENTS  Ms. Ritchie gave the announcements. Upcoming calendar items:  21.City of Cleveland offices will be closed on Monday, October 9, 2023, in 22.The City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2023, has been 23.White County Water Authority Meeting - Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7:30 24.Downtown Development Authority Meeting - Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 25.Alcohol Review Board - Monday, October 16, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Police 26.Package Store Lottery - Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the 27.Planning & Zoning Meeting - Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the  observance of Columbus Day  cancelled  a.m. at the Water Authority  3:00 p.m. at the White County Chamber of Commerce  Department. Police Department. Police Department.  Mayor Turner announced that they expect to have a vote after Executive Session.  EXECUTIVE SESSION  Motion by Council Member Bowen, seconded by Council Member McClure and voted,  unanimously, to enter an Executive Session at 7:43 p.m. 28. Discussion regarding pending litigation  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald and voted, unanimously, to adjourn the Executive Session and return to the City Council Council Member McDonald opened the door to allow attendance to the meeting.  Meeting at 8:14 p.m.    Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member and voted, unanimously, to participate in the class of defendants for case number 2:23-cv-03147- RMG, case number 2:23-cv-03230-RMG, and authorize the Cleveland Water  Department to exchange data with class council.  Mr. Whitaker stated that it involves the aqueous film-forming foams products liability litigation the city has been identified as a class member, a class defendant, and the city is opting to participate in that class action law suit in order to try to recoup some testing costs that have been incurred due to the EPA requirement of testing for  certain contaminants that are the subject of this litigation.  Motion by Council Member Bowen, seconded by Council Member McClure and voted, unanimously, to enter an Executive Session at 8:20 p.m. to discuss real estate and Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Bowen and voted, unanimously, to adjourn the Executive Session and return to the City Council Meeting Council Member McDonald opened the door to allow attendance to the meeting.  personnel.  at 8:57 p.m.  ADJOURN  Motion by Council Member Bowen, seconded by Council Member McClure and voted, unanimously, to adjourn the City Council Meeting of October 2, 2023, at 8:58 p.m.  Approved this ay of ohmber23  Tuar  Mayor  Council Member Ward3 Mayor Pro Tem  shS6    havfrk Nan Bowen  Cin C.J. McDonald  Council Member Ward1  Council Member Ward 4  Annie Sutton Qicalg  Council Member Ward2  City Clerk  Ap