REGULAR MEETING OF MAYOR. AND COUNCIL JANUARY 14, 2020  Present Absent X X  Present Absent X X  Mayor Douglas Cheek James Dumas, Council David Dunson, Council  Sandra Garrison,Council Cliff Hill, Council Jerry Payne, Mayor Pro-tem David Syfan, Attorney  X X  X  REGULAR MEETING  The regular meeting of the Council was called to order by Mayor Doug Cheek.  The invocation was given by. Jerry Payne. The pledge to the flag was led by Mayor Doug Cheek. The minutes oft the last meeting were approved. (3-0)  OLD BUSINESS  1. Water and Garbage Rates  James Dumas stated that suggested rates were discussed at the work session, flat base fee of $16.00 per month for the first 3,000 gals of water used and $6.00 per thousand over the 3,000. Current rate is $14.00 for first 3,000 gals and $4.50 per thousand over the 3,000. Suggested garbage rate is $17.00 per month. Current rate is $15.00 per month. Mr. Dumas has spoken with a Georgia Rural Water representative regarding the rate increase, they will be giving ideas on how to structure the rates. He suggested basing the rates off the size of the meter. Mr. Dumas stated that the rate increase was necessary for upkeep of the water system. He suggested that if there is a rate increase that it go into effect in April 2020. Mr. Dumas also discussed an option for the town to offer a cleanup day for the citizens to be able to dispose of their garbage. He has spoken with Waste Management and they will provide dumpsters in a secure location for this service. The charge will be $115.00 fee plus $30.00 per ton for disposal. Mayor Cheek stated that they will wait to hear back from Georgia Rural Water regarding the water rates, further discuss garbage rates, and have a public hearing after that once rates Mayor Cheek stated that discussions regarding the increases will be continued at the next work Mayor Cheek stated that sewerage system feasibility study proposals have been received from two different companies for the project. The difference in the two proposals is approximately $10,000. Turnipseed submitted a proposal of $24,500.00 the second proposal was approximately $10,500.00 with additional costs. Cliff Hill suggested meeting with Banks County periodically to see where they are at on their end of the sewer project. Mayor Cheek stated that the Mayor and Council should make a decision on the project within 60 days, he will try to get a meeting with Banks County. He also wants to  have been determined. 2. Mayor & Council pay session. 3. Sewer  1    REGULAR MEETING OF MAYOR. AND COUNCIL JANUARY 14, 2020  make sure that Turnipseed's proposal is alli inclusive or if there will be additional charges for the study. James Dumas stated that the decisions that are being made now will impact the future of the town.  NEW BUSINSS  Mayor Pro tem, Attorney, Court. Judge, Town Clerk, Court Clerk and Fire Chief Motion was made by Cliff Hill to appoint Jerry Payne, Mayor Pro-tem, David Syfan, Attorney, Hammond Law, Court. Judge, Carol Ayers, Town clerk and court clerk. The motion was seconded Motion was made by. Jerry Payne to appoint Cliff Hill, Fire Chief. The motion was seconded by. James Dumas and approved. (3-0). Cliff Hill abstained from voting. Mayor Cheek voted to approve.  OTHER BUSINESS  Banks County Board of Trustee member, Renee Poppell, moved out of the Town therefore resigned. Ms. Vivian Parker was recommended to fill the position. James Dumas made a motion to appoint Ms. Vivian Parker as Banks County Board of Trustee member, term will end June 30, 2022. The motion was Mayor Cheek asked about the status of the letters to the belighted property owners. Clerk, Carol Ayers, stated that the last account she has was that Attorney, David Syfan was asking if another letter needed to be sent out to the two owners who have not made an effort to clean up their property. Mayor Cheek stated that another  seconded by Cliff Hill and approved. (3-0)  letter does need to be sent out.  Employee dinner. January 23rd @ 6:00 p.m. @ Outback.  Cliff Hill stated that the application for LMIG funding has been changed and resubmitted.  James Dumas stated that they need to work on staff salaries and get in line with others. He stated that the employees need to be taken care of. Mayor Cheek asked about the part time office employee. Carol Ayers is  looking for someone and will bei interviewing for the position. Next worksession will be February 4th @ 8:30a.m.  There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.  ATTEST:  Carol Ayers, Clerk  #  2