City of Walthourville Mayor and Council Workshop Agenda September 24, 2024 @ 5:001 PM Walthourville Police Department  AGENDA  I.  Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Cost Reduction IV. Adjournment  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes City of Walthourville Councilmembers Councilmembers  This meeting is open to the public.    City of Walthourville Sarah B. Hayes, Mayor  Elected Officials Mitchell Boston Patrick Underwood Bridgette Kelly Luciria L. Lovette Robert (Bob). Dodd  City Administration Nicolas Maxwell, Fire Chief Christopher Reed, Police Chief Dave Martin, Public Works Adm. Patrick Golphin, Water Supervisor Luke R. Moses, City Attorney  Mayor and Council Meeting Agenda September 24, 2024 @ 6:00 PM  I.  Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Invocation IV. Pledge of Allegiance V. Approval of Agenda VI. Approval ofl Minutes VII. Presentation(s) VIII. Agenda Items:  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes City of Walthourville  Appointee InUnison Councilmembers Councilmembers  September 10, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes  None  Mayor and Council Mayor Sarah B. Hayes Mayor Sarah B. Hayes City of Walthourville Walthourville Citizens Elected Officials Mayor Sarah B. Hayes  1.C City ofWalthourville 2. City of Walthourville  Keep Liberty Beautiful Rivers. Alive Proclamation. Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month Proclamation.  IX. Department Reports X. Citizens Comments XI. Council Comments XII. Mayor Comments XIII. Executive Session XIV. Adjournment  None  Councilmembers  Ifan Executive Session is needed, it will be called for (1) Litigation, (2) Personnel or (3) Real Estate. All Meeting are held at the Walthourville Police Department and are open to thel Public.    City of Walthourville Mayor and Council Meeting Minutes September 10, 2024@6:00PM Walthourville Police Department  I.  Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PMI by Mayor Sarah B. Hayes. II. Roll Call: The roll was called by Kara Jackson with the following members present:  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes Councilman Mitchell Boston Councilwoman Bridgette Kelly  Mayor Pro Tem Luciria L. Lovette Councilman Patrick Underwood Councilman Robert Dodd  The attendance of Council constituted a quorum.  City Attorney Luke R. Moses was in attendance.  III. Invocation: The invocation was given by Councilman Patrick Underwood.  IV. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.  V. Adoption ofCity Council Agenda: The motion to approve was made by Councilwoman  Kelly and the second was provided by Councilman Boston.  Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried.  VI. Adoption of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes from August 27,2024. The motion to approve was made by Councilman Boston and the second was provided by  Councilman Dodd.  Vote 4-1 Motion Carried. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette Opposed.  Adoption of City Council Executive Meeting Minutes from August 27th, 2024. The motion to approve was made by Councilwoman Kelly and the second was provided  by Councilman Boston.  Vote 4-1 Motion Carried. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette Opposed.  VIL. Agenda Items: 1. LCPC Variance 2024-050-W  Ms. Lori Parks  Mr. Tillman was asking for a variance for a 1-foot setback to reduce the required side yard setback of 5 feet to 4 feet for an accessory building. His neighbor, Mr. Young, does not oppose the variance. Mr. Tillman was not aware he needed a permit. Mayor Hayes asked if Mr. Tillman was present and if there were: any questions. Councilman Boston stated that if there were no safety concerns, he sees no issues. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette asked if there would be any future issuesi ifMr. Young moves. Mrs. Parks said  1    no as he is still within his property line. Mrs Parks also states nothing disturbs anyone else's property line. The motion to approve was made by Councilman Boston and the  second was provided by Councilman Underwood.  Vote 5-01 Motion Carried Unanimously.  2. City of Walthourville  Councilman Mitchell Boston  Privatization of Sanitation Awarding of Contract.  Councilman Boston started his comments with a speech that he had typed up. Boston stated that moving forward is crucial to maintaining the city's services efficiently after reviewing the available options. Councilman Boston suggested the City proceeds with Atlantic Waste. Councilman Dodd asked if customers would have the option to opt out of bulk to which Councilman Boston, "stated yes." Councilman Boston stated the representative from Atlantic Waste was present. The representative Mr. Sam Sullivan stated he would like tol hir the city'sCDL drivers. Councilman Dodd, "asked ift the days would stay the same and Mr. Sullivan stated he would like to. Councilman Boston asked when he would get with City Hall and Mr. Sullivan stated hopefully by December 1steverything would be worked out. Councilman Dodd asked, "ifthis would keep the trash: from being interrupted and Mr. Sullivan: stated yes." Councilwoman Kelly asked, "how long would the length oft the contract be for?" Mr. Sullivan replied, 5 years. Councilman Dodd asked how complaints would come in and Mr. Sullivan stated that they could call the company. Councilman Dodd asked, "what the price is on an additional can?" Mr. Sullivan stated it is $15 per can. Councilman Dodd also asked about holidays to which Sullivan replied they don't operate on Christmas or Thanksgiving. Mr. Sullivan also stated that prior to them taking over they will put flyers on carts or even information in the paper. Attorney Moses asked, "how to opt out of bulk? Mr. Sullivan stated it is all very doable. Councilman Dodd asked about a possible open enrollment for bulk to which Mr. Sullivan stated iti is doable. Councilman Boston asked how many vehicles would be dedicated to the route to which Mr. Sullivan stated maybe 2 and a half trucks. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette asked about keeping the drivers and Mr. Sullivan stated he would like to start them in the city and gradually within 3 months have them start from the home offices which are in Pooler and Statesboro. Mr. Sullivan stated there is plenty of room for the CDL drivers to grow with the company. He added they have 401k and other benefits and there is not al lotof turn over. Councilman Boston made the motion to move forward with Atlantic Waste  and the second was given by Councilman Underwood.  Vote 3-2 Motion Carried. Councilman Patrick Underwood  Councilwoman Kelly and Mayor Pro Tem Lovette Opposed.  3. City of Walthourville 2025 Millage  Councilman Underwood also started his comments with a speech that he had typed up. Its stated he ran for city council to get Walthourville in al better financial place. It also stated there is no millage rate in place and that the unpopular subject is avoided. The letter stated he is not trying to get in day-to-day operations. It also stated that it was time for the Mayor to have the conversation with the Tax Commissioner. The longer  the wait, the worse the City will be to not have this inj place.  2    Mayor Hayes stated she has had numerous talks with the Tax Commissioner and was told to set aj percentage and unfortunately the tax commissioner passed away (The Late Mr. Virgil Jones). Mayor Hayes stated she has been back there 3 times. Mayor Hayes stated the CPA's will be present on the 19th. Mayor Hayes will present her thoughts then on a city tax at $265/year on a citizen. She also stated that she was told by County Administrator, Mr. Joey Brown that until the new commissioner will be sworn in, in January 2025 and there is no action they can take place until he is sworn in. Nevertheleless, Mayor Hayes wants the CPAs to come in and discuss what they looked ata and they have already done the past audits and she thanked Councilman Underwood Mayor Pro Tem Lovette stated she wanted to make a comment. "With the millage rate we just started the fire fee, fee and the water increase now we are going to do this all over again. My concern is we never. had a forensic audit to determine ifi in fact where all of our funds are going so, Iwould recommend ai forensic audit before we: implement this millage rate.' " Councilman Underwood stated he agrees with her about the forensic audit but he was just thinking about the future and the millage wouldn'tgo in effect until 2026. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette asked," were they just talking about the millage rate or implementing it because, the citizens need to know?" Councilman Underwood stated we would need to have 3 meetings with the citizens first, but this Mayor Hayes stated ini terms of the forensic audit there will be ai forensic audit, and she has had discussions on how to get it done without it costing the city. There was also a question of doing a forensic audit before completing the needed audits but that could jeopardize those audits, and she didn't want that tol happen. The Mayor added there will be a forensic audit once the audits are done. Mayor Hayes and Mayor Pro Tem Lovette had an exchange of words. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette asked," how are we doing this without deciding what we have, and we may not have to implement a millage rate?" Mayor Hayes stated she just wants to make sure the city is covered SO we can have Councilman Boston gave the following statements, "the popular opinion is the audit and the City needs revenue to run. At this point it seems that the subject matters who wej pay at GMA have said directly that we must cut expenses and raise revenue, and it doesn't seem to be resonating. We offer the amenities and services of a large city, police, fire and public works. The revenue that comes from the water bills cannot sustain the General Fund. It is designed to support the water department. The main issue that many citizens complain about is water and the revenue that's supposed to go into that infrastructure is going everywhere else. You can not debate math. The water department is supposed to support the water. We must raise revenue and that is through taxes. So, we either must decide what's going to get cut or raise revenue or a Mayor Hayes stated," she agreed but would like us to listen to the advice given by the city CPA's."Councilman Boston stated, "we cannot operate out ofe emotion. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette stated, "her concern is we don't know where the money went, therefore, shei is in favor ofa forensic: audit first." Councilman Boston added, "we made: aj promise to the citizens to end the Fire Feei in December, and he will not vote to continue it in.  for his comments.  wouldn'tg go into effect until 2026.  what we need.  combination of both."  3    Mayor Pro Tem Lovette stated," she thinks a forensic audit will end all the questions." "Councilman Boston asked the Mayor Pro Tem ifs she knew how much a forensic audit would cost?" She responded no. Attorney Moses stated there was $25,000 set aside to which Councilwoman Kelly and Mayor Pro Tem Lovette stated it was gone. Mayor Hayes stated the ballpark amount she was. looking at was free to which Boston stated  he likes free. VIII. Department Reports Water Department  City of Walthourville Patrick Golphin  Mr. Golphin stated disconnects occurred on September gth and there were 10 customers disconnected for not paying the Fire Fee and 112 customers disconnected solely for nonpayment. Attorney Moses asked, how many have paid?" Mr. Golphin stated," half of those customers have paid to be reconnected.": Councilman Boston asked if there was a payment plan for those struggling to pay. Mr. Golphin stated we always work with the customers, and we work up a viable payment plan with the customer. Mayor Pro Tem asked how many were disconnected for fire fee? Mr. Golphin stated again, 10. He also stated the customers were cut off for over 3 months ofr non-paying the fire fee, not 1 month of$31.60.. Attorney Moses asked about the differentiation to know the fire fee is not paid. Mayor Pro Tem asked ift they terminate the Fire Fee in December could they use those funds to pay their bill. Mr. Golphin stated yes, and he added, when we explain to the customers, they feel a little better and let them know we will work with them." Councilman Boston asked if there were any complaints on smelly water and Mr. Golphin stated no. Mr. Golphin stated the real issue ist the old meters that need to be updated. Councilman Boston asked how many need to be updated to which Mr. Golphin stated the last reread consisted of 80 that needed to be reread. Mr. Golphin stated we try our best with rereads and data logs and' that the new meters would help. Councilman Underwood asked Mayor Hayes ift that was something we are working on,  and she stated yes. Fire Department  ChiefNicolas Maxwell  Chief Maxwell gave the statistics. There have been 27 calls of which there were 18 medical calls, 3 traffic accidents with injuries, 1 fire call and 1 miscellaneous. Councilman Boston asked how many full time staff? Chiefl Maxell responded 1, which is himself and 19 part-time firefighters and that they are a 24-hour station. Mayor Pro Tem asked how many responds to calls and Maxwell stated usually 5 persons.  Police Department  ChiefChristopher Reed  ChiefReed gave the statistics. There have been 205 calls since thel last meeting with 31 reports generated from those calls. Chief Reed spoke on Operation Drive Sober which happened on August 315t. From the road check there were 44 citations, 61 DUI's and 1 wanted person. The road check occurred on Highway 84 and EB Cooper Hwy. Since August 27t, there have been 82 citations with 14 warnings given and 2 vehicle crashes. Chief Reed stated he will be gone from Sept 16th-1 18th for training and Sept 30th-Oct 11th for Firearm training for himselfand Major Hooker. ChiefReed: also stated there is an audit on t September 20th for GCIC. Mayor Hayes asked," how the diversion program was going?" Chief Reed stated it is going very well, it gives aj person 90 days to pay for the ticket as well as give them the opportunity to take: a driving course online  and have the ticket dismissed.  4    Public Works  Elizabeth White Garfield Turner  Ms. White stated she had been working with the City for 2 years but now it looks asi if she will be cutting grass with the rest of the crew. Mayor Hayes asked how Public Works was?Ms. White stated," very good." Mayor Pro Tem] Lovette stated her garbage was not all removed, and this is the 3rd week this has happened. Mr. Turner stated with the privatization of Sanitation he will be here until December. Mr. Turner stated in terms Mayor Pro Tem Lovette's trash being left behind the guys will not dig in the bottom oft the cans and that's what she had in her can was paper stuck to the bottom.  IX. Citizen Comments Patricia Greene  Walthourville Citizens  Stated she came to talk about the forensic audit. Mayor Hayes stated she was talking about the 21, 22, 23 audits. Ms. Greene stated the citizens need to know where the money went that was left there when she was in office. Ms. Greene stated that Mayor Councilwoman Kelly asked Mayor Hayes ift there were talks when the Forensic Audit would be done. Mayor Hayes stated once the 21, 22 and 23 audits were complete. Councilman Boston asked Attorney Moses what the difference between ai regular audit and forensic audit is? Attorney Moses stated his degree is in law and not math and he is unsure, but he feels they will look deeper into accounts. Councilwoman Kelly asked who will do a forensic audit for free and Mayor Hayes stated she will give all that  Pro Tem Lovette spoke on the issue she was referring to.  information once the audits are done.  X. Council Comments  Elected Officials none none  Councilman Mitchell Boston Councilman Patrick Underwood Councilwoman Bridgette Kelly Mayor Pro Tem Luciria L. Lovette Councilman Robert Dodd Mayor Hayes  Stated her questions aren't being answered SO she yielded her time.  none none  There is a food giveaway on Monday September 16th in the parking lot of City Hall from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM. There will be a Farmer's Market on Saturday September 14th in the parking lot of City Hall. On September 20th there will be a football scrimmage int thej park, and we: arei in supportofmore: youth coming out, followed by a movienight. On Saturday September 215 there will be a cake cutting at noon in Johnnie Frasier Park. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette asked ift there was: any expense to the city for the food drive to which Mayor Hayes stated, "no." this has not been donei in 2 years: and ifit was on the  weekend the City would have to pay but during the week it is free.  5    XI. Adjournment: The motion to adjourn was made at 7:05 PM by Councilwoman Kelly  and seconded by Councilman Boston.  Vote: 5-0: Motion Carried Unanimously.  Minutes Submitted by Kara Jackson    Rivers Alives  City of Walthourville Rivers Alive Proclamation 2024  Rivers Alive Cleanup  Rivers Alive is Georgia'sannual volunteer waterway cleanup event that targets all waterways ini the state, including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches and wetlands. The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources. Rivers Alive is held annually each fall and is a WHEREAS: The citizens of the City of Walthourville recognizes that all life is dependent upon clean water and strive to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of Georgia'swaters; and WHEREAS: Watersheds, the critical component of the hydrologic - water - cycle, is an integral part of all the WHEREAS: Georgia has 70, 150 miles of streams and rivers that nourish our native plants and wildlife; and WHEREAS: The Mission of "Rivers Alive" is to create awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources through this annual volunteer cleanup of the fourteen river basins in Georgia;and WHEREAS: October 24, 2024, is the! 52nd anniversary oft the Clean Water Act and The International Day of World- WHEREAS: the CityofWalthourvile recognizes its commitment to engage citizens, civic and government officials, WHEREAS: Keep Liberty Beautiful and Mayor Sarah B. Hayes, Mayor Pro Tem Luciria L. Lovette and Council Members: Mitchell Boston, Patrick Underwood, Bridgette Kelly and Robert Dodd elevate the importance of volunteerism and motivate everyone in our community to become stewards of the environment. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; 1, Sarah B. Hayes, Mayor do hereby proclaim October 24, 2024, as RIVERS ALIVE AWARENESS DAY IN Walthourville, Georgia enacted on September 24th, 2024 and call this observance to  program of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Outreach Program.  earth's systems; and  Wide Monitoring; and  and business leaders to restore and preserve our watersheds in Georgia; and  the attention of our citizens.  Sarah B. Hayes, Mayor  Shana T. Moss, City Clerk    City of Walthourville  BRAIN ANEURYSM AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION SEPTEMER 2024  WHEREAS: Abrain aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of an artery in the brain; and  WHEREAS: An estimated 1 out of every 50 individuals in the United States will have or has had a brain WHEREAS: Brain aneurysms are most likely to occur in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60 and WHEREAS: Various risk factors can contribute to the formation of al brain aneurysm, including smoking, WHEREAS: A subarachnoid hemorrhage is when a brain aneurysm ruptures in the space between the brain and the thin tissue covering the brain and can lead to brain damage, stroke, and death; and WHEREAS: Each year, more than 30,000 individuals in the United States, some with a family history,  aneurysm; and  are more likely to occur in women than men by a 3to 2 ratio; and hypertension, and a family history of brain aneurysms; and  suffer from ruptured brain aneurysms, 50 percent of whom die as a result; and WHEREAS: Early detection of brain aneurysms can save lives; and  WHEREAS: Various research studies are being conducted in the United States to better understand, WHEREAS: The Brain Aneurysm Foundation, a nonprofit organization, remains a globally recognized leader for brain aneurysm awareness, education, support, advocacy, and research funding; NOW, THEREFOREBEITRESOLVED: I, Mayor Sarah B. Hayes, alongwith Mayor Pro TemLucirial.L Lovette, and Councitmembers: Mitchell Boston, Patrick Underwood, Bridgette Kelly and Robert Dodd do hereby recognize September 2024, as BRAIN ANEURYSM AWARENESS MONTH in CITY OF WALTHOURVILLE, andIcall this observance to the attention of all our citizens on this 24th Day of September: 2024.  prevent, and treat brain aneurysms; and  Sarah B. Hayes, Mayor  Shana T. Moss, City Clerk