CITY OF  Cleveland GEORGIA  Cleveland City Council Monday, November 13, 2023 - 6:30 P.M. Cleveland Community Center/Police Department 342 Campbell Street, Cleveland, GA  Minutes  1. Callto Order  Mayor Turner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  PRESENT:  Mayor Josh Turner, Council Members Nan Bowen, Annie Sutton, Jeremy McClure Also present were City Administrator Kevin Harris, City Attorney Keith Whitaker, and  (Mayor Pro Tem), and C.J. McDonald  City Clerk Lisa Ritchie  2. Invocation - Reverend Manning Minton, Minister to Students, Cleveland First  Baptist Church, and White County Ministerial Alliance  3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approve Agenda  Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted, unanimously, to approve the agenda with an amendment to add personnel to  Executive Session (agenda item number 22).  DEPARTMENT REPORTS  5. Economic Development and Planning- Director Tom O'Bryant  October 2023 Report  Mr. O'Bryant addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He reported the following  October items:  Occupational Licenses - 2 (Waffle House, DHS Renovations)    Building Permits-: 7 (Truett McConnell University (TMU), Old Nacoochee Village, commercial and residential development Building Inspections - 19 (Gateway Village, Oak Springs Cottages, Waffle House, Ellis Brothers) Sign Permits- - 2 (North Georgia Tire, Sweet Peas) Plan Reviews -1 1 (TMU Driving Range) Square, TMU, 37 Jarrard Street) Elite Excursions, Tatewell Homes) Grant Applications  remodel)  Current Commercial Activity = 4 (Waffle House, Courthouse Development Inquiries - 4 (Albert Tate, Fuller Living LLC,  Appalachian Regional Grant full application for Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application related to Disaster Declaration FEMA-4600- DR, for resiliency relief to help fund the proposed wastewater treatment plant - additional information was requested by the agency and has been provided - the city Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) = the fire chief and the grant administrator have developed specs to send to Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) Transportation Program (TAP) grant application for preliminary engineering for sidewalk and crosswalks connecting Freedom Park and City Park - application is to Contract with the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission (GMRC) for the preparation and submittal of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant application for a strategic plan for downtown has been  Wastewater Treatment Plant.  isa awaiting an announcement  the vendors  be rescinded  signed.  Infrastructure and Planning  New well (well number 6) - The City's engineering firm, Rindt, has prepared and sent a contract to American Georgia Environmental Division (EPD) continues to  Water Specialties research well number 7.    The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) met to discuss a potential partnership with Fuller Living LLCfor The Planning and Zoning Board met to consider and make a recommendation for an annexation request and a Utility and site work is underway for Old Nacoochee  downtown housing.  rezoning request. Village.  6. Finance- - Director John Solmon  September 2023 Report  Mr. Solmon addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He reported the following  September items:  O Fiscal Year 2023's net loss, year to date, ($162,004), compared to Fiscal Year 2022's net loss, ($444,832) O General Fund Revenue Comparison of September 2022, $290,006, compared to September 2023 revenue, $237,172 General Fund Expenditure Comparison of September 2022, $313,903, compared to September 2023 expenditure, $398,794 (due to fees that assisted with the grant writing for O General Fund expenditures by department show Fire and Police services making up the majority of the expenditures, O Water and Sewer Fund Comparison of September 2022 net income, $15,934, compared to September 2023 net income, $140,598 (largely due to tap fee from the new Tax Water and Sewer Fund Expense Comparison of September 2022, $188,199, compared to September 2023 expense,  O LOST and SPLOST collections are up  the fire truck)  61%  Commissioner's Office)  $$210,680  7. Fire Department - Chief Ricky Pruitt  October 2023 Report  Chief Pruittaddressed the Mayor and Council Members. He reported the following  October items:  Total of 97 Calls: 69 inside the city and 28 in the County White County Fire Department responded into the city 4 times    Total of 55 pre-fire inspections  Chief Pruitt stated that the fire truck bids are due on Thursday. He said he would like  to accept the bids and look over them.  8. Police Department- - Chief Jeff Shoemaker  October 2023 Report  Chief Shoemaker presented Life Saving Awards to Officer Shaka Cantrell, and Sergeant Chief Shoemaker addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He reported the  Brandon Landress  following October items:  0 Total occurrences = 1,851 Publica assists -573 Premise checks-9 926 Field interviews - 25 Incident reports - 65 Accident reports - 23 nvetealwppemea-se Citations Issued - 62 Warnings - 108 Warrants - 14 Juvenile- - 1 Citation Breakdown  Misdemeanor, non-traffic-5 DUI, Alcohol, & serious offenses- - 1 Driver's license, Registration, & Insurance- -8 Moving violations, traffic control, etc. - 44 Equipment, seatbelt, etc. 4  9. Public Works Department- Public Works Director Ricky Hunt  October 2023 Report  Mr. Hunt addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He reported the following  September items:  Meter Change Out-9 City Hall Office Maintenance-2 Sewer Backup-2 Miscellaneous-1 Check For Leak- - 11    Final Reading Do Not Lock-12 Garbage Request-16 Hydrant-Service-1 Inspection-3 Police Department-1 Cut Off and Lock Meter Non-Payment) )-15 Garbage Request Change-1 Meeting with Customer-3 Final Read and lock Meter- - 12 Payment Agreement-2 Street Repair-1 Meter Inspection 1-35 Residential Turn On - 23 After Hours Work-3 Line Inspection - 86 Street R-O-W Maintenance-2 Meter Readings - Monthly-2,274 Meter Re-Reads- Monthly-23 Utility Locates-81  PUBLIC HEARING  Mayor Turner explained the Public Hearing procedures and allowed the people the Mayor Turner introduced the item. He asked Ms. Glenda Coldwell to verify that she had submitted the Disclosure of Campaign Contribution Certification stating that she had not, within the two years immediately preceding her application date, made any contributions aggregating $250.00 or more to any local official involved in the review or consideration of the application. She verified that she did submit the Disclosure as Mayor Turner asked Ms. Coldwell to verify that the Tax Commissioner has certified that all property taxes for Tax Map and Parcel Number 048C 166 has been paid. Ms. Coldwell verified that the Tax Commissioner has certified that all property taxes have  opportunity to ask questions regarding the procedures.  the Mayor had stated.  been paid.  10. Application from Roy Brogdon for annexation and zoning for approximately 0.70 acres, Tax Map and Parcel 048C 166, located at 1641 US Highway 129 South. The current White County zoning Classification is C-2, highway Commercial. The requested city zoning classification is B-2, Highway Commercial District. The Proposed use is commercial development.    Planning and Zoning Chair Nadine Wardenga addressed the Mayor and Council Members to present the recommendations from the Planning Commission.  Chairwoman Wardenga stated that the Planning and Zoning Board met on October 26 to consider the item. She said that they voted, unanimously, to recommend approval. Ms. Coldwell addressed the Mayor and Council Members to express her support of  the item.  Mr. O'Bryant stated that the property will need to utilize City utilities.  There were no other comments from the public. Mayor Turner closed the Public Hearing.  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald, and voted by a show of hands, unanimously, to accept Tax Map and Parcel 048C1 166, located at 1641 US Highway 129 South for annexing into the city.  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted by a show of hands, unanimously, to change the zoning for Parcel 048C 166 to B-2. 11. Application from CDS Holdings for re-zoning for approximately 4.40 acres, Tax Map and Parcel 033D 057, located at 25 Abernathy Lane/West Kytle Street. The current zoning classification is R-2, Medium Density Residential. The  proposed use is for a commercial office.  Mayor Turner introduced the item. He asked Mr. Mike Rogers to verify that he had submitted the Disclosure of Campaign Contribution Certification stating that he had not, within the two years immediately preceding his application date, made any contributions aggregating $250.00 or more to any local official involved in the review or consideration of the application. He verified that she did submit the Disclosure as Mayor Turner asked Mr. Rogers to verify that the Tax Commissioner has certified that all property taxes for Tax Map and Parcel Number 033D 057 has been paid. Mr. Rogers verified that the Tax Commissioner has certified that all property taxes have Planning and Zoning Chair Nadine Wardenga addressed the Mayor and Council Members to present the recommendations from the Planning Commission. Chairwoman Wardenga stated that the Planning and Zoning Board met to consider the item. She said that they voted, unanimously, to recommend approval.  the Mayor had stated.  been paid.    Mr. Rogers addressed the Mayor and Council Members to express his support of the  item.  There were no other comments from the public. Mayor Turner closed the Public Hearing.  Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member Sutton, and voted by a show of hands, unanimously, to change the zoning for Parcel 033D057  from R-2 to B-2.  12. First Public Hearing - 2023-28 - Amendment of The Ordinance Establishing Mr. Harris addressed the Mayor and Council Members. He stated that staff continues to review the Personnel Policies and Procedures for improvements. He stated that for recruitment and retention purposes. He said the amendment is in regards to section  Personnel Policies and Procedures  7.3, overtime.  There were no comments from the public. Mayor Turner closed the Public Hearing.  NEW BUSINESS  13. Approval to increase the credit card credit limits for the City Administrator and the City Clerk from $2,500 to $5,000 to the City's Credit Card accounts  Mr. Solmon addressed the Mayor and Council Members and recommended increasing the City Administrator and City Clerk's credit card limits to $10,000 rather than his Motion by Council Member Bowen, seconded by Council Member McDonald, and voted, unanimously, to approve the credit limit increases for the City Administrator  earlier request of $5,000.  and City Clerk to $10,000.  14. Approval to add Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker to the City's Credit Card  accounts  Mr. Solmon recommended adding Chief Shoemaker to the City's Credit Card Account. Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Sutton, and voted, unanimously, to approve adding Chief Shoemaker to the credit card account witha a  credit limit of $5,000.  15. Resolution 2023-27 - City of Ethics Re-certification    Mayor Turner read the resolution.  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted, unanimously, to approve Resolution 2023-27 - City of Ethics Re-Certification. 16. Request for Proposal (RFP) 2023-001 for Real Estate Broker Services Mr. Harris stated that the city received 3 sealed bids. Those providing sealed bids were; Ken Baker Real Estate, Alco Realty, Inc., and Horizon Property Group. He said, all 3 met and exceeded the requirements. Mr. Harris recommended awarding the bid Motion by Council Member McDonald, seconded by Council Member McClure, and voted 2 to 2 (voting against the motion were Council Members Bowen and Sutton). Mayor Turner voted to approve Council Member McDonald's motion breaking the tie  to Alco Realty, Inc.  and approving the award of the bid to Alco Realty, Inc.  17. Variance for the new White County Tax Commissioner's Office water and  sewer billing rates  Council Member McDonald recused himself.  Mr. Harris stated that the initial, September, water bill was $927.59 due to 8-inch line rates. In October their water bill was $3,582.34. The County placed an 8-inch line on the property for future development. The 8-inch line will, ultimately, serve a whole campus with 1-inch lines going to a proposed library and to the tax commissioner's office. Mr. Harris stated that the City of Cleveland and White County serve the same citizens. He said there has been a request to establish fees for a 1-inch line and when the library is built the city will charge for another 1-inch line. He stated that the request is to also recalculate the September and October bills and provide credits to Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Sutton, and voted, 3to 0 (Council Member McDonald did not vote), to approve the County Complex to be billed with 1-inch line rates and also to credit their account based on the current  the County.  fee structure for 1-inch lines.  Council Member McDonald returned to the meeting.  18. Approval of Meeting Minutes  November 6, 2023 Meeting Minutes  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted, unanimously, to approve the Minutes of the November 6, 2023 Meeting.    19. Approval of Executive Session Minutes  November 6, 2023 Executive Session Minutes  Motion by Council Member Sutton, seconded by Council Member Bowen, and voted, unanimously, to approve the Minutes of the November 6, 2023 Executive Session.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS  None.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Ms. Wardenga addressed the Mayor and Council Members to remind everyone of the Farm City Breakfast and the importance of agriculture and farmers in the community. Council Member Sutton expressed her appreciation to Chief Shoemaker and Chamber of Commerce President Beth Truelove for taking care of the traffic situation at Dunkin  She also discussed raising monies for the library fund.  Donuts.  CITY ADMINISTRATOR KEVIN HARRIS 20. 2023 Annual Holiday Bonuses  Mr. Harris stated that funds for the annual holiday bonus are available and budgeted. Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald, and  voted, unanimously, to approve the 2023 annual holiday bonuses.  CITY ATTORNEY KEITH WHITAKER  Mr. Whitaker did not have any items to report.  ANNOUNCEMENTS  Ms. Ritchie gave the announcements.  21. City of Cleveland offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and Friday,  November 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Mayor Turner stated there will be a Called Meeting of the White County Water  Authority on November 15th at 8:00 a.m.  EXECUTIVE SESSION  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member Bowen and voted,  unanimously, to enter an Executive Session at 7:50 p.m.    22. Discussion regarding real estate  Personnel was added as an Executive Session discussion item during the adoption of 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 citizens to return to the regular  the agenda.  Meeting at 8:31 p.m.  meeting. There were no citizens waiting to return to the meeting.  ADJOURN  Motion by Council Member McClure, seconded by Council Member McDonald and voted, unanimously, to adjourn the City Council Meeting of, November 13, 2023,at  8:32 p.m.  Approved this 45 dayof. Dcomber  2623  Josh Turner  Mayor  Council Member Ward3 3 Mayor Pro Tem  t  la4  Taulhgueu Nan Bowen  Council Member C.J. McDonald  Council Member Ward4  Ward 1  nOth  Annie Sutton Qiz   LisaA. Ritchie  Council Member Ward 2  Clerk City