AGENDA  Mayor & Council Meeting 5pm Tuesday, July 9, 2024  1. Call to Order 2. Prayer 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Roll Call 5. Adopt Agenda  6. Adoption of Minutes-May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting; Minutes of June 11, 2024 Regular Meeting (Informational with no quorum present to vote)  7. Clerk's Report 8. Department Reports 9. Mayor's Report  10. Council Members questions/Comments 11. Second Reading of Multiple Residence Ordinance  12. Second Reading of Purchasing Procedure Ordinance & Vote to Approve 13. Resolution to Approve TSPLOST (TIA Phase 1) Projects in City of Sparta A. Adam Street Improvements from Maiden Lane to Hwy.15, P.I. 0017591  B. Maiden Lane/Rabun Street Resurfacing, P.I. 0017592  14. Old Business 15. New Business  16. Mayor & Council Work Session at 4:30pm Monday, August 5, 2024 17. Mayor & Council Regular Meeting at 5pm Tuesday, August 13, 2024 18. Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting at 5:30pm Thursday,  July 11, 2024 in City Hall 19. Citizens' Input 21. Adjournment  20. Executive Session Personnel & Legal Matters    City of Sparta Mayor & Council Meeting 5pm Tuesday, July 9, 2024  Elected Officials present were Mayor R. Allen Haywood, Mayor ProTem Rav' Yisrael, Councilmembers Brandon Nolley, Tom Roberts. Councilwoman Sandra Sherrod arrived late, at City Clerk Virginia Webb was not present. Attorney. John Hitchcock was present.  5:10p p.m.  Administrative Assistant Stephanie Hannah was present. followed by the Lord's Prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mayor ProTem Yisrael called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m., with a moment of silence Mayor Haywood welcomed special guests Jessica Hayes and Beth Goosley, both from a Congressman Mike Collins' office. They distributed informative brochures about the services they provide to the community. "We are here to provide support and resources to your community," Jessiça Hayes said, emphasizing their role in assisting residents. Beth Goosley added, "Thank you for allowing us to share information about our services," expressing her appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the local government and its citizens. Councilman Roberts motioned to adopt the agenda; Councilman Nolley seconded. No Adoption of Minutes - May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting; Minutes of. June 11, 2024 Regular Councilman Roberts motioned to adopt May 14, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes; Councilman Councilman Roberts motioned to adopt. June 11, 2024 Regular Meeting (Informational); Counciiman Nolley seconded. Mayor ProTem Yisrael abstained due to not being present at the  Adopt Agenda  discussion. Agenda approved.  Meeting Informational with no quorum present to vote) Nolley seconded. No discussion. Minutes approved.  June 11th meeting. Vote 2 to 1. Minutes approved.  Clerk's Report  1. Stephanie Hannah, Administrative Assistant, announced a big grant application for $39,714.06 through the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG). "This grant will significantly aid in thei improvement of our streets, including. Jamie Kennedy, Jones, Willis, Bell, Providence, Elm, and others," she said, underscoring the need for financial support for the city's infrastructure. Once accepted and awarded, the project will be bid  1    on through the Georgia Local Government. Access Marketplace. It was resubmitted after 2. The Department of Public Health, City of Sparta, and Family Connection will host a Sparta-Hancock County Day Backt to! School Bash" for Hancock County children on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The purpose is to collaborate with other churches, organizations, businesses, individuals, and SO on to ensure that Hancock County children have access to free immunizations, immunization records, and school 3. The Department of Public Health, City of Sparta, and Family Connection will host a Sparta-Hancock County Day Back to School Bash" for Hancock County children on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10a.m. to 1 p.m. The purpose is to collaborate with other churches, organizations, businesses, individuals, and SO on to ensure that Hancock County children have access to free immunizations, immunization records, and school 4. The US Department of Defense, in collaboration with the CSRA Regional Commission and the local health department, is offering an Innovative Readiness Training from July 2nd to. July 12th, 2024, to citizens aged 2 and up who are underinsured, uninsured, ori in need ofe excellent care at no cost toi the patient. Iti is hosted ini the Health Department from 9: a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except. July 4th and 9th, when iti is9a.m.-12 noon. For  being returned for minor revisions.  supplies.  supplies.  furtherir information, call (706): 210-2000.  Departmental Reports-Police, Wastewater, Street, and Animal Shelter  (See Pages 6-18) Mayor's Report  1. Mayor Haywood acknowledged Timmy Griffin's retirement and Logan Griffin's resignation, recognizing their contributions tot the community. "Their contributions have been invaluable, and they willl be missed," he said. Amanda. Akins is nowt the utility 2. According to the 2023 census, the city has an estimated population of1,320, which affects federal fundingallocations. This demographic data is critical for planning and 3. Mayor Haywood prioritized selecting the best bid for upcoming street repairs to ensure qualityi infrastructure improvements. "lt's crucial we select the best bid to ensure quality repairs," Haywood pointed out. The city iss seeking bids for some $140,000 in street repairs & paving. Southern Asphalt has provided a quote for patching and paving. 4. The council discussed the budget review process fori the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and resource allocation to meet the city's needs. Mayor Haywood, City Clerk Virginia Webb, and City Treasurer Deborah  administrator.  resource allocation.  Butts will work together to finish the review.  2    5. Progressive Steps willl be giving out meals at the old hospital parking lot from 12 nooni to  1pm each Tuesday in. July.  Council Members Questions/ Comments There were no questions or comments. Second Reading of Multiple Residence Ordinance  According to. Attorney. John Hitchcock, a change in the zoning ordinance must be advertised first, followed by a hearing. Following a discussion with City Clerk Webb, the required hearing will take place before the regular meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. If the council 50 chooses, they can vote on it at that time. Hitchcock explained that the ordinance allows two separate homes to be built on property zoned R1, which ist typically a single property. Second Reading of Purchasing Procedure Ordinance & Vote to Approve  Attorney John Hitchcock explained that any purchase or payment of more than $10,000 will require the approval of two council members, which does not require a formal vote at a council meeting but can be obtained by signing a purchase or check approval form. Deborah Butts, City Treasurer, shall keep all signed approval forms. Nothing in this ordinance requires council approval for any purchases and payments that were specifically budgeted in the city's annual budget process, such as day-to-day operations, or that are pursuant to a contract approved by Similarly, no council approval should be required for purchases or payments made under a grant or loan agreement with the USDA, GSA, DCA, or any other governmental entity or private lender, provided that the city council has previously approved the loan or grant application. Councilman Roberts seconded Councilman Nolley's motion to approve the Purchasing Procedure Ordinance. There is no discussion. Councilwoman Sherrod declined to vote which serves as a "no" vote.  council under Section 6 oft the city charter.  Ordinance passed 3-1.  Resolution to Approve TSPLOST (TIAI Phase 1) Projects in City of Sparta A. Adams Street Improvements from Maiden Lane to Hwy.15, P.I. 0017591  Attorney Hitchcock stated the resolution was to accept the TSPLOST projects which are designated back in Phase 1 of the 2022 project list. Adams Street will be resurfaced. Counciman Roberts motioned to approve the resolution; Council Nolley seconded. No discussion. Councilwoman Sherrod refused to vote, which serves as a "no" vote. Motion  passed 3-1.  B. Maiden Lane/ Rabun Street Resurfacing, P.I. 0017592  3    Councllman Roberts motioned to approve P.I. 0017592; Councilman Nolley: seconded. No discussion. Councilwoman Sherrod refused to vote which serves as a "no" vote. Motion  passed 3-1. Oid Business  Mayor ProTem Yisrael requested an update on the ordinances.  Attorney Hitchcock: shared that Municode has received the ordinances. Municode will update the ordinancestwiceayearacoringtohssunderstanding, but he will contact the companyi for more  clarification. New Business There was no new business.  Mayor & Council Work Session at 4:30pm Monday, August 5, 2024 Mayor & Council Regular Meeting at 5PM1 Tuesday, August 13, 2024  Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting at 5:30 pm Thursday, July 11, 2024 in City  Hall Citizens' Input  DeeDee Hyder, a city resident, inquired as to who the city inspector was in Timmy Griffin's absence; whati thet time frame for Ghettis Street repairs was; and what could be done to help the Mayor Haywood. responded that, while Timmy Griffin is no longer an employee oft the city, he will provide needed. services as a contractor and cooperate to ensure: as smooth transition until a more permanent solution is found. Mayor Haywood revealed that Ghettis Street work is scheduled in TIAI Phase One (2023-2025). It was approved for $409,820 to redo the Ghettis Street Extension to address the drainage issues. However, the cost will be reevaluated in order to possibly reduce it. Finally, Mayor Haywood commented on the community's homeless situation explaining that there are noi funds in the city'sbudget for homeless services. He did: suggest that there are: several  homeless in the community find: shelter.  churches and citizens who are helping to house the homeless.  Paula Barnes, a county resident, stated that she had submitted a permit request for the mobile Boys & Girls Club event at the old HCHS football field and wanted to know the status ofit. Administrative Assistant Hannah responded that the county/BOE usually informs the city when requests are made to use that locale; only then can Hannah stamp it and show that it has been approved. The city's only concern is that adequate security measures are taken when events  /gatherings are held within the city.  4    Mayor Haywood added that Ms. Barnes: should simply notify the city when sher needed to uset the  area.  Executive Session  Councilman Roberts motioned to go into executive session to discuss personnel and legal issues; Councilman Nolley seconded. No discussion. Councilwoman Sherrod refused to vote which  serves as a "no" vote. Motion passed 3-1.  Back to Executive Session  Councilman Roberts motioned to go back to regular session; Councilman Nolley seconded. Councilwoman Sherrod refused to vote which serves as a "no" vote. Motion passed 3-1. Mayor ProTem Yisrael asked that any motion be made to address issues discussed in executive  session. Hearing none, he asked for a motion to adjourn.  Adjournment  Councilman Nolley motioned to adjourn the meeting; Councilman Roberts seconded. No  discussion. Vote unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15pm.  5    May and. June2 2024- - Monthly Report for City Council- Anima! Shelter  1. Department of Agriculture Report:  The monthly reporti for April was submitted to the Department ofA Agriculture on May 1, 2024. The monthlyreporti for May was: submitted tot the Department of Agriculture on. June 5th. This report ensures our compliance withs state regulations and! keeps the department  updated on our operations and animai care standards.  2, Rescues and! Intakes  Ini May 2024, wel had 11 intakes. Nine weret transferred to LOHS, whilei two (Dixie and LiIBit) required medical attention: for mange ands stanation/dehyeration. Sprocket was adopted in May 2024 after beinga at the shelteri for over a year. LilE Bit was transferredi tol LOHS in. June 2024 after recoveringi from mange. As oft thee end of June 2024, the: animal shelter has 16 dogs ini its care. Staff have contacted several rescues to arrange fort ther relocation of some dogs, hoping to help tor manage ouro capacity and provide the animals with new opportunities for adoption. Sof far, allnearbys shelters andr rescues have: stated that they aret full as well. The shelter hadt threer newi intakes (Buddy, Bonnie, and Clyde)i int the month of June. These animals were givenmedical examinations, vaccinations, andp placedi into our care program untilt they were able to be posted fora adoption or transfer to another shelter. Bonnie: and Clyde (Chi's) had to bel held for impoundment until the proper paperwork was processed releasingt the dogs to1 the sheiter duet to theiri intake situation. Astray dog was sighted in.early. June. Staff were unable to locate the dog. This report came in from thel Police Department after a citizen saw the dog attack al kitten.  3. Animal Care and Health  In. June, two dogs (Dixie and Buddy): scheduled for spaying andr neutering were: successfully fixed. This procedure is part of our ongoing efforts to control the pet population and ensure InJ June, two dogs (Dixie and Lill Bit) were vaccinated: and heartworm testedi in. June. Keeping up with vaccinations is essential for preventing disease outbreaks within the shelter. Mona was put ona allergy medication to! help reduce her skin irritation issues at the recommend oft ther new vet tech. Shel is showing improvement: already. Flea, tick, and! heartworm medication was appliedi to the dogs in May: and. June tol keep pests under control. Regular pest control medication is essential for preventing infestations and Daily cleaning and sterilization were performedi throughout the month of May and. June, ensuring that all animal areas remained: sanitary. Additionally, the animals were fed: and The dogs received dailye enrichment: and exercise tol keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Theya also enjoyed daily dental treats, which helpr maintain their oral health. Record-keeping information on the dogs was updated for the month of May: and. June. Accurate records are vital for tracking thel health, treatment, and progress of each animal. Ther remaining black! labst from the fire oni Maiden Lane are showing great improvement with the new: staff and are becoming social. Several are now ablet to be walked and petted.  the health of the animals.  ensuring al healthy environment fort the animals.  watered daily.  6    Maya and June: 2024- - Monthly Report for City Council- Animal Shelter  4. Facility Maintenance  The office areaa ands storage building were labeled for better organization. Thise ensures that staffo cane easily finds supplies and maintain an efficient workflow. Demon Max and Bifenthrin insecticide were sprayed around the animal shelter area. Weed killer was: sprayed in areas that needed itt to maintaint the yard. Proper yard maintenance ensures as safe and pleasant environment for the animals. Holes weret filledi in and fencing repairt through. June where dogs damaged them. Ana animal care specialist was hired in May. She willl help provide socialization and enrichment for thec dogs to helpr make them adoptable. Her job will include walking the dogs, leasht training, teaching tricks, and making the dogs comfortable with humans so they Av vett tech was hired in June, This additioni to our staff will enhance our abilityt to provide medical care and: support tot thea animals. Shey will checki the dogs weekly and provide recommendations, provide grooming (bathing and nail clipping), as well as assisti in  5. Staffing  can become adoptable ort transferable.  obtaining donations and with adoptione events.  6. Events and Donations  On. June 15th, the shelter attended an adoption event. This event was a opportunity for the community to meet and potentially adopt animals from the shelter. It also helped raise awareness aboutt the shelter's mission andt the animals available foradoption. We receiveda Staffs signed upt to participate int the Sparta-Hancock Daye event on. July: 27, 20241 ina ane effortto We received a generous donation of dog food from the Oconee Regional Humane Society (ORHS), now calledlake Oconeel Humane! Society (LOHS). Additional dogf food donations were received from" Tractors Supplyi in Milledgeville. These donations are crucial forr maintaining the Patty's Furtopia donated a tent for adoption events, volunteer t-shirts, digital scale for Citizens of Sparta dropped off gently used blankets, pillows, and towels fort the dogs. Kong Toys sental box ofnearlyindestructible: toys ($300value) that treats can! be placedinside An 8x10 storage building was delivered to the animal shelter in late May for storage of supplies. Staffr removed: alle extras suppliest from the various departments they weres storedw with and moved them intot the storage building in. June. Shelves were also built out of scrap wood  large uptick off followers on Facebook following the event. get dogs adopted and bring attention to the animal shelter.  health and well-being oft the animalsi in our care. weighing the dogs, and stuffed animals. of fore enrichment purposes.  by staff. Shelving isnoti finished as more woodi is needed.  7. Grants Received  Several grants wereappliedi fori in. June for the animal: shelter. We: are waiting on updates for  the: status of alli these grants.  7    May and. June2 2024- Monthly Report for City Council Animal. Sheiter We received: a $1,000 grant from Bow' Wow Buddies for the care ofLIlE Bit. This grant will We received: a $3,000g grant fromi thel Bissell Pet Foundation to install fans int thel kennels to help with the heat. Currently, we are working on getting quotes for thei installation oft these Wei received approval to participate int thel Empty the Shelter program. Ity willt take placei in July 2024 and will cover $50 oft the: adoption feet for adopted dogs. It runs from July 8to 30, Approved to provide free and low-cost rabies clinics in: 2025 from People and Pets Projects. We did not receivet the Sterilization Grant from the Department of Agriculture duet toa failure to submit reports under the prior administration. Wes should be eligible next yearas  help cover medicaland other care expenses for Lir Bit.  fans. 2024.  reports are: submitted monthly.  8    CITY OF SPARTA  Tommie Walker, Jr. ChiefofPolice  OPOLTCE  365 SPRING STREET SPARTA, GEORGIA 31087 FFIDE:705-44-8177. /FAX: 706-444-0827  JULY2024 COUNCIL MEETING  SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORT  (STATS BELOW ARE FROM THE MONTH OF JUNE 2024)  204-TOTAL911 CALLS FOR. ASSISTANCE 82-TOTAL WRITTEN TRAFFICC CITATIONS  34-SPEEDING 15-NOSEATBELT 2-DUI 1-SUSPENDED LICENSE 27-OTHER TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS  27-TRAFFIC VIOLATION WARNINGS 13-STATE WARRANTS ISSUED  17-ARREST  FYI:  On. July 2, 2024 officers arrested Jamius A. Pearson, a 23-year-old black male, of Sparta, GA in connection with the On July 9, 2024, officers arrested Jamiren Marshad Barr, a 26-year-old Black male from Okolona, Mississippi, on felony charges ofl Forgery in the' Third Degree and Deposit Account Fraud. On' Thursday, June 6, 2024, the City of Sparta. Accounts Division discovered and reported that a check for $11,855.29 was deposited into a checking account owned by. Jamiren Marshad Barr. Barri is currently awaiting a bond hearing at Hancock County Detention Center.  robbery of BNB PAC & SAC12166Broad Street, Sparta, GA 31087  UPCOMING EVENTS:  One Day with a COP camp. July 15 & 29,2024. Attendees must be up rising gth thru 12th graders. - Thankful for those who have contributed to the event so far: Sparta Batist Church, ACE Hardware-  Sparta, Rooms U Love-1 Mr. & Mrs. Rodriguez.  PREVIOUS MONTH STATS: APRIL 2024 226-TOTAL 911 CALLS. FOR. ASSISTANCE 127-TOTAL WRITTEN CITATIONS 11-7 TRAFFICVIOLATION WARNINGS 5-STATE WARRANTS ISSUED  9  2-ARREST  :XXX3S : : :    CITY OF SPARTA  Tommie Walker, POHICE  Chief of Police  B0 MONUMENT SQUARE. SPABTA, GEORCIA. - 31087 OFTCE708-444-6777 /FAX: 706-444-0827  July2,2024  **Press Release**  BNB PAC&SACRobbery Suspect Arrested  On' Tuesday, July 2, 2024, officers arrested Jamius Ammphitrion Pearson, az 23-year-old black male, in connection with the robbery ofl BNB PAC & SAC 12166 Broad Street, Sparta, GA 31087. On) Friday, June 7, 2024, around 10:49 PM, Pearson entered BNBI PAC & SAC wearing what appeared to be a white paint suit, blue gloves, a dark-colored mask, and dirty white tennis shoes. Pearson walked behind the counter, took thei money box, and exited the store. Officers obtained as search warrant and searched his residence and vehicle. During the search, officers located items connecting him to the robbery, leading tol his arrest. Officers also discovered drugs during the search. Pearson has been booked into Hancock County Detention Center and is  awaiting al bond hearing. Pearson is charged with the following:  I Robbery (OCGA 16-8-40) (OCGA 16-13-30)  Wearing a mask, hood, or device that conceals identity (OCGA 16-11-38) Possession and use of drug-related objects (OCGA 16-13-32.2)   Purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution, or sale of controlled substances or marijuana  Commie CpPaker, Cr Tommie Walker, Jr. Chiefo of Police  10    CITY OF SPARTA  Tommie Walker,1r. ChiefofPolice  OPOLICE  80 MONUMENT SQUARE SPARTA, GEORGIA - 31087 OFCE0H-44ESTIZ/T/TKETDEI-OBIT  July9,2024  **Press Release** Forgery Suspect Arrested  On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, officers arrested Jamiren Marshad Barr, a 26-year-old Black male from Okolona, Mississippi, on felony charges of Forgery in the" Third Degree and Deposit Account Fraud. On' Thursday, June 6, 2024, the City of Sparta Accounts Division discovered that a check for $11,855.29 was deposited into a checking account owned' by Jamiren Marshad Barr. The check was originally written to Ryland Environmental, Inc. Macon Division. On the above date Barr turned himselfini to officers without incident at Sparta Police Department. He has since been booked and processed and is now being held at Hancock County Detention Center awaiting al bond hearing.  Barr is charged with the following: Forgery in the' Third Degree (OCGA 16-9-1(d)) Deposit Account Fraud (OCGA 16-9-20(b)(3))  Commie GPake; Cr Tommie Walker, Jr. ChiefofPolice  11    June 20246 City Council Report-Public' Works "Street Dept"  During June, the Public Works diligently carried out a range of essential maintenance and support activities throughouti thec city. Thei followingr reportcategorizes: ande elaborates on the! keytasksperformed: 1. Overgrowth on City Streets: The street department focused on managing overgrown vegetation to maintain cleara and safe roadways. Overgrowth waso cut back on the following streets: Wiley, Myrtle, Parkway, Lakeview, and Hancock (1.74 Miles or 12.42% of the roadways). 2, Water Tower: Overgrowth was also addressed underneath the Water tower on Jamie Kennedy Bivdt to ensure clear access andi improve the area's appearance, The area appeared nott to have 3. Courthouse. Square Incident: The street department assisted the police department following an incident where an: 18-wheeler accidentally damaged streetlights and a sign on Courthouse 4. Storm Response: Duringa recent storm, ai limbi fell neart thei intersection of Wiley: and Adams Street. The department erected road closure: signs and cleared the debris to restore safe . Utility Department. Assistance: The: street department provided essential support to the Utility Department by cutting debris from: 121 lift stations, ensuring these critical facilities remained 6. Collaboration with DOT and GAI Powrer: Thes street department assisted the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Georgia Power with cleaning up fallen limbs on Hancock and Lakeview Streets. This collaborative effort helped to quickly restore safety: andi functionality toi these 7. Sign Installation: A' "No Thru Trucks" sign was installed on Ghettis Street to manage traffici flow 8. Mini Excavator Tracks: Replacement tracks fort the mini excavator were ordered byt the street 9. Routine Maintenance: Ongoing maintenance was performed on various equipment to ensure their optimal functionality." Thisi includes: Weed eaters, lawn mowers, pole saws, bobcat,  been cuti in: several years.  Square. This assistance ensured the areay was made safe promptly.  passage for vehicles andpedestrians.  operational.  areas.  and enhance safety in residential areas.  department and: subsequently installed by Water Distribution: staff.  tractors, and other essential equipment.  The street department's efforts in. June ensured that our city's infrastructure remained safe, clean, and functional. A proactive vegetation management, quick response to incidents and emergencies, and collaboration with other departments have been instrumental in maintaining the quality of life for our  residents.  12    Photos for June 2024 Reports  Wastewater  lagoon Turnover With: summer Weather 2.5Ft Average of Sludge CDBG Dredge  Removal of Baby Deer from Lagoons Summer means increase animalrescues  Water Color Samples for Summer  UTV Wreck at Behind Gate  13    Photos for June 2024 Reports  Animal Shelter  Sprocket (First Shelter Dog) Adopted  9Puppies Dropped offa at Animai Shelter  Mange on New) Intake (LBit)  New Storage Shed  14    Photos for June 2024 Reports  Public Works (Street Dept) Broken Tractor Arm  SkidSteersTracks  Cutting trees and grass at) Water Towers  15    May and June 2024 Monthly Report for Cicy Council- -Misc,  1. Community Events and Outreach  HancockSparta Day: Hancock! Spartal Dayiss scheduled to take place onJuly2 27,2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM: at the Department of Public Health (DPH). This back-to-school event aims to support students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. With twenty vendorsregistered; thee eventp promsesalanetyfree: services ands schoolsuppliest toe ensure a successful and beneficial experience for all attendees. This initiative highlights the City's commitment to education and communitysupportp providingessential. resources for students Employee Appreciation Event In recognition of the hard work and dedication of city employees, Sparta hosted: an employee appreciation event valued at over $3,000." The event was fori its 42 employees ands serveda as and opportunity to acknowledge their contributions to the community. Such events are crucial for boosting morale, fostering a positive work environment, andi reinforcing the value ofe eachi team member's efforts. GA Cities Week Coloring Contest: As part of GA Cities Weeki inl late April, the City organizeda coloring contest for community members. This initiative aimed to engage the community, particularly children, ina a creative activity that celebrates thes spirit oft the city. Three winners were selected in late May, providing recognition ande encouragement for younga artists. Events likei theset foster as sense of community: and pride among residents, while alsol highlighting the  and families in need.  City's commitmentto cultural and artistic activities.  2. Workforce and Employment Initiatives  Workforce Development Relocation: Workforce Development has relocatedi to Augusta, GA, and the City of Sparta is actively seeking to participate in their On-the-Job Training (OIT) program andincumbentWarker: Program.These programsared designed tos supportworkforce development by subsidizing 50% of employees' salaries for thet firsts six months after hirea and Veteran Employment Support: The Cityi is collaborating with the Veterans Administration to secure supplemental pay for veteran employees through their career center. This initiative aims to provide additional financial support to veterans, acknowledging their service and Job Descriptions and Postings: The City has created and posted job descriptions for three critical positions:a a Public Works! Laborer,av Water/Sewer Departmentlead, andar Natural Gas Department Lead. These roles are essential for maintaining and improving the City's infrastructure and: services. Thel Public Works! Laborerwill: assisti iny various maintenancet tasks, the Water/Sewer Department! Leadwill oversee water ands sewer operations, andt thel Natural  covering training expenses after six months ofhire. aidingt their transition into civilian employment.  Gas Department Lead will manage ther natural gas services.  16  :    May and June 2024-Monthly! Report for City Council- - Misc.  3. Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness  Hazard Mitigation Plan: In preparation for the 2024 Hazard Mitigation plan, staff have provided crucial information to the Central Savannah River Area Regional Commission (CSRARC) regarding City properties.A Ar meeting is scheduled for August to discuss and finalize Fire Department Support: The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has approved a donation of a pallet of water, valued at $250, for the Sparta fire department. This support ensures that firefighters have the necessary resources to stay hydrated ande effective during Gas Grant for 2025: The City has compiled information for a grant request aimed ats securing $600,000f for equipment, liner repair, andg gas meters, masimenswanerns would significantly enhance the City's infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable gas RAISE Grant Eligibility: Working with the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), the City is exploring eligibility fort the Rebuilding American infrastructure with Sustainability: yand Equity (RAISE) grant for 2025. This grant could provide funding for road improvements and equipment for Public Works with 0%1 match. Further research is needed to ensure the best match for the grant, butt thej potentiall benefitsi include enhancedi infrastructure andi improved Liability Grant: The City has contacted the Georgial MunicipalA Association (GMA) to determine eligibility for al liability grant. The City is eligible for a $3,000 grant for specific pre-approved equipment. Over the next few months, staff will work on preparing the grant request. Securing this grant would provide necessary funding fore equipment that enhances thes safety and efficiency of City operations, demonstrating a proactive approach to riskr management. Congressional Spending Applications: The City submitted applications for Congressional Spending to Senator Wamock and Senator Ossoff. These applications successfully made it to sub-committees, though the committees for Senator Ossoff ultimately rejected the Grant/Donation Account Setup: In collaboration with the finance department, the City has established an electronic transfer account for grants and donations. This setup enhances security by preventing the main city account from being hacked, aligning with the requirements ofr many grant providers inr recent years, By modernizing its financial processes, the City ensures more: secure and efficient handling of funds, which is crucial for managing Grant Writing Workshop: City staff attended a grant writing workshop toi improve their skills and learn about new grant opportunities. This professional development initiative aims to enhance the City's capability to secure funding for various projects. By investing in staff training, the Cityi is better positioned toi identify anda apply forg grants that supporti its strategic  thep plan.  emergencies and thes summer heat. 4. Grant and Funding Efforts  services for residents.  public services, contributing tot the overall development ofi the City.  applications.  grants and donations effectively.  goals and community needs.  17  : : :    May and! June 2024,- Monthly Report for City Council- - Misc.  5. Environmental: and Health Initiatives  Landfill Reporting: The City submitted the quarterly methane and groundwater reports for thel landfill tot the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Regular reporting is essential for compliance with environmental regulations and for monitoring the impact of the landful on Health Services Focus Groups; The City has partnered with Mercer University to conduct focus groups in. July, aimed ata assessing health needs ande exploring the possibility of bringing health services to the area. This initiative seeks to gather community input andi identify gaps in healthcare provision, with the goal ofe enhancing locall health services. Water First Program City staff attended a Water First class to evaluate the City's readiness for the program. Significant improvements have been made since attending the class three yearsago, ands staffplan to begin thep paperwork for review committee: submission. Thel Water First Program provides benefits sucha asannual Community! Development Block Grants (CDBG) and a 1% reduction on federal and state loanst for approved members. Achieving Water First status would enhance the City's water management practices and provide financial Operation Warm Application: The City has applied for Operation' Warm to secure coats for the winter season for the police and fire department to distribute. This initiative aims to provide warm clothing for residentsi in need, particularly during the colder months.  local ecosystems.  6. Initiatives  advantages, supporting long-term sustainability.  18    : ::