Demorest City Council Work Session Tuesday, January 2, 2024 .6 6:00P.M.  Demorest Municipal Conference Center . 250 Alabama. St Demorest, GA30535  Shawn Allen, Councilman Donnie Bennett, Councilman Jerry Harkness, Mayor Jimmy Davis, Councilman  Andrew Ferguson, Councilman Megan Chastain, City Clerk Thomas Mitchell!, City Attorney Mark Musselwhite, City Manager  The January 2, 2024 Demorest Work Session was heldi ini the Demorest Municipal Conference Center  located at 250 Alabama Street.  1. INVOCATION  Mayor Harkness opened the meeting by leading in prayer.  2. CALLTO ORDER  Mayor Harkness called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.  3. COUNCIL REAPPOINTMENTS Finance - Councilman Allen Police and Fire- Councilman Davis 4. ANNUAL REAPPOINTMENTS  Mayor Harkness assigned the below appointments:  Water, Streets and Sewer - Councilman Bennett and Councilman Ferguson  Mr. Musselwhite made the recommendation to council as follows:  City Manager - Mark Musselwhite City Clerk- - Megan Chastain Public Works Director - Bryan Popham Police Chief - Robin Krockum Fire Chief- - Unknown at this time Magistrate Judge - Robert Sneed City Engineer - Engineer Management Inc. City Attorney - Thomas Mitchell City Accountant - Ed K. Burton, LLC  Councilman Allen questioned conflict ofi interest with EMI. Mr. Musselwhite expressed that he did not  1Page    think that EMI would jeopardize their credentials and Fletcher with EMI confirmed that the city could  reach out to another engineer any time if needed. 5. CONSIDERATION OF INSURANCE PROPOSALS  Mr. Musselwhite reminded council that the city switched to Cigna February 1, 2023 to save the city $96,000 savings. The employees have encountered multiple issues with Cigna in several different cases. Mr. Musselwhite presented al Medical Cost Analysis from Turner, Wood & Smith which reflects Cigna's price at $31,772.21 and Aetna's price at $29,204.79. Mr. Musselwhite indicated that the employees wanted a change and he is recommending the city move forward with Aetna.  6. CONSIDERATION OF WORKER'S COMP PROPOSALS  Mr. Musselwhite presented proposals from Travelers in the amount of $70,782, Apex Insurance Agency ini the amount of $49,820 and Key Risk Insurance in the amount of $56,841. He indicated that the workers comp expired January 1, 2024 but hei is recommending. Apex Insurance and they are currently soft binding for coverage. Mayor Harkness stated Travelers is top tier coverage and asked Jimbo with Turner, Wood & Smith how the companies compare. Jimbo explained that coverage for all workers comp carriers is exactly the same. He: stated Key Risk has more electronic capabilities as fara as filing claims and Apex is more of the mom-and-pop feel where you have to email the claims over and  there are no electronic capabilities.  7. CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING NEW' WATER/SEWER RATE STRUCTURE  Mr. Musselwhite stated the 14% increase to water/sewer rates that was discussed back in October were rough numbers and now that EMI has completed the rate study, the rate increase is 18% due toa debt coverage ratio that we have to meet for our GEFA loans. Fletcher with EMI presented a cash flow analysis to explain the recommended 18% increase. Mr. Musselwhite recommended adopting ther new  water/sewer rate structure effective February 1, 2024. 8. - CONSIDERATION OF HISTORICAL SOCIETY LEASE  Mr. Mitchell presented a drafted Historical Society Lease. Mayor and Council discussed changes they would like the lease to reflect such as the room not being assigned and they city being able to change the room if necessary as well as the monthly rental fee of $1.00 being changed to a yearly rental fee of $1.00. Ms. Davenport from the Historical Society stated the hours of operation are not specified (i.e., 8:00 a.m. to! 5:00 p.m.). Mr. Musselwhite reiterated that the cityi is waiting on the post office before they can make a decision on the room that the Historical Society can lease and he and Thomas will  work on the recommend changes and be in touch with Ms. Davenport.  2IPage    9. CONSIDERATION OF FACILITY AGREEMENT  Mr. Musselwhite presented a drafted facility agreement. Mayor Harkness requested to keep the gym and park first come first serve. Mayor and Council discussed allowing alcohol with police presence. Councilman Bennett recommended we move forward with the lease presented and allow Mr. Musselwhite and Mr. Mitchell to compare our lease agreement to other municipalities and make the  recommended changes. 10. DISCUSSION OF FY: 2024 LMIG  Mr. Musselwhite presented documentation Ms. Chastain will submit for 2024 LMIG funds. Mr. Musselwhite and Mr. Pophamirecommendation is to repair Alabama Street, Georgia Street and  Arizonia/Stone Street.  11.CONSIDERATION OF MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION (if needed)  There was not an executive session. The papua7apn -  12.ADJOURN  EMOR SENE)  Mayoro of  BER  617  Demorest City Clerk  3Page