City ofWalthourville 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 October 8, 2024 @ 6:00 PM  I.  Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Invocation IV. Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Agenda VI. Approval of Minutes  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes City of Walthourville  Appointee In Unison Councilmembers Councilmembers  V.  September 10, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes  No meeting Minutes for September 24, 2024. No meeting was held due to non-quorum.  VII. Presentation(s) City of Walthourville VIII. Agenda Items: 1.1 LCPC  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes  Ms. Lori Parks  Business License Request for Seductive Strands Hair Salon.  2. City ofWalthourville Hurricane Helene Information Briefing. 3. City ofWalthourville Millage Rate Follow-up. 4. City ofWalthourville Sanitation Privatization Update. 5.Cityo ofWalthourville Construction Update.  Councilman Robert Dodd  Mayor and Council  Councilman Mitchell Boston  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes    IX. Department Reports Mr. Patrick Golphin Chief Nicolas Maxwell ChiefChristopher Reed X. Citizens Comments XI. Council Comments  City of Walthourville Water Department Fire Department Police Department Walthourville Citizens Elected Officials  Councilman Mitchell Boston Councilman Patrick Underwood Councilwoman Bridgette Kelly Mayor Pro' Tem Luciria L. Lovette Councilman Robert Dodd  XII. Mayor Comments XIII. Executive Session XIV. Adjournment  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes  None  Councilmembers  Ifan Executive Session is needed, it will be called for (1) Litigation, (2) Personnel or (3) Real Estate. AIl Meeting are held at the Walthourville Police Department and are open to the 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 PM 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: Thei motion to approve was made by Councilwoman  Kelly and the second was provided by Councilman Boston.  Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried.  VI. Adoption ofCity 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.  VII. 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 ifMr. 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 askedi ift 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 5-0: Motion Carried Unanimously.  2. City ofWalthourville  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'ss services efficiently after reviewing the available options. Councilman Boston suggested the City proceeds with Atlantic Waste. Councilman Dodd asked ifcustomers would have the option to opt out of bulk to which Councilman Boston, "stated yes."7 Councilman Boston stated the representative from Atlantic Waste was present. The representative Mr. Sam Sullivan stated he would like tol hir the city's CDL drivers. Councilman Dodd, "asked ifthe 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 1teverything 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 it 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. Headded they have 401k and other benefits and there is not a lot of 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 a 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 in 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 (Thel 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 CPAst to come in and discuss what they looked at 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 ifin fact where all of our funds are goingso,Iwould: recommend a 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 in terms oft the forensic audit there will be a 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 bea 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 ofemotion. Mayor Pro Tem Lovette stated, "her concern is we don't know where the money went; therefore, she isi ini favor ofai forensic audit first." Councilman Boston added, "we made aj promise to the citizens to end the Fire Fee in December, and he will not vote to continue it in.  for his comments.  wouldn't go into effect until 2026.  what we need.  combination ofboth."  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  CityofWalthourville 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 of non-paying the fire fee, notl 11 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. ift 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? ChiefMaxell 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  Chief Reed gave the statistics. There have been 205 calls since the last meeting with31 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, 6 DUI'sand 1 wanted person. The road check occurred on Highway 84 and EB Cooper Hwy. Since August 27th, there have been 82 citations with 14 warnings given and 2 vehicle crashes. Chief] Reed stated he willl be gone from Sept 16th-18th for training and Sept 30th_- Oct 11th for Firearm training for himself and Major Hooker. ChiefReed also stated there is an audit on t September 20th for GCIC. Mayor Hayes asked," how the diversion program was going?" ChiefR Reed stated it is going very well, it gives a 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 as 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 of 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 if 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 isu 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-1:00PM. 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 the park, and we: arei ins support ofmoreyouth coming out, followed by amovie night. On Saturday September 21s1 there will be a cake cutting at nooni 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 done in 2 years and ifit was on the  weekend the City would have to pay but during the week iti 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  6    NALTHOUR  NC.1974. LE  AGENDA ITEM 1  LCPC  Ms. Lori Parks    Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission = Report Governing Authority: The City of Walthourville  Consolid LCPC * n: ELos ing Comm  Mayor & Council Date: October 8, 2024  Type of Permit: Owner of Business:  Business License = Hair Salon  Tiffany Harris  Business Managed By: Tiffany Harris  Property Zoned: Comments:  C-3 (Highway Commercial)  This proposed business is a Hair Salon located at 4981 W Oglethorpe Hwy. The Parcel Number is  050A163.  LCPC Zoning Recommendation: APPROVAL  Contingent upon the approval of the certificate of occupancy  LCPCStaff: RLR  10-3-24  Todd Kennedy  Date    NALTHOL  City of Walthourville Business License Division Mailing Address: P.OBox K Office Location 222 Busbee Road  URVILLE INS  Walthourville, GA: 31333 Walthourville, GA: 31333 Phone:(912): 368-7501 Occupation Tax Certificate  Web site address- wodhehallenie.con Application For corporation orl limited Liability Company LLC  *The application must bet filled out completely to obtaina a City ofWalthourville Occupation Tax Certificate. Payment must be filed with the application to obtain a City of Walthourville Occupation1 tax Certificate. This application will not be processed ifiti is not accompanied by the appropriate taxf fee. You will not be billed. Please print with ink or type. In order for the appropriate tax ort feei to be determined the application accompanied by all appropriate documents must be submitted in person. Pursuant to The Georgia Immigration Reform Act that was passed by the State Legislature ands signed by the Governor all persons applying for renewing a City of Walthourville Tax Certificate must provide a secure and verifiable document as required by 0.C.G.A50-36-1le) (1) and sign and notarize the affidavit required by O.C.G.A5 50-36-1 (e) (2) and the affidavit required by O.C.G.A: 36-60-6(d).  This Business is:   New Application  )Ownership Change / Date ownership changed & Certificate # )lam filling a name/or address change for Certificate# SEDUCTIVE STRADDS  Name business as Name of Corporation/LLC  Business Phoma33,E4-6448  Business Address 4481 W. Oglethogpe Hvoy HIneslLE 4 GR 31313 Mailing Address_ '72 N. MACN st. LUDOLDLCL 5 GAS 5 3131  Email Address_ geduchivestrandslcQAmmal. Com  Full Detailed Description,of Business_ HAIR Salow  Date Business began in City of Walthourville #of employees in City of Walthourville 1 Owner Name_ TIFFANY S. HARRIS  E-verify# (Required if: 11 or more employees  State Sales Tax ID#_  Federal ID#  SS# 372 -90- 58izDOB_ 09-04-1981  Home Address_ 712 N. MACONS ST Apt#_ City LubouiciState GAZip 3131 *** Alle electrical, mechanical, plumbing, wello drilling contractors, mobile home dealers, mobile homei installers, anda any other contractor thati is required tol have: as State of Georgia License willl ber requiredt toa attacha a copyo of thel licenset tot this application before insurance. ***Allc commercially used building may bes subjectt toz ani inspectioni fort firea ands safetyo code compliance prior toa any certificate ofc occupancyor  businessl license being issued.    Arey you, the applicant the corporation, LLC or any shareholder currently delinquent inj payment ofa any taxes or fees to any: state or local government?, NO_Ifyes, please indicate thet type of tax or fee, and  the amount due with ther reasont the taxi is delinquent.  Ifthis propertyi is zoned residential, no clients  Iswear or affirm that Ihave obtained or will obtain  Employees, sales, deliveries, storage ofi inventory, within thirty days oft the date oft this application a Ore equipment are allowed on the premises. Only City ofWalthourville Certificate of Occupancya as One commercial vehicle not to exceed 12,500 Ibs required by the city ordinances.  Gross weight used as transportation by the occupant May be parked at the residence. Iwill comply with the Zoning, Restrictions stated above: bR  Signature:  Snb  (initals)  bilbr  TFFAN 5. iAggaffirm that thet facts stated by me aret true, lunderstand any misrepresentation or fraudulent statement is grounds for automatic dismissal ofi this application and/revocation oft the license. I understand that all signs displayed on my premise must be permitted by the Cityof Walthourville, Ifurther understand that my business must operated in compliances with all applicable state, federal & local laws, ordinances & regulations, & that the granting oft this occupation tax certificate or payment oft this occupation tax does not waive the right of any federal, state or local entity tor regulate & enforce laws, ordinances & regulations. lunderstand that all decisions of Business License  Division may be appealed to the City of Walthourville.  This_  day of  20_  Signature of applicant a S SLelebly printr name TIFANY S HAERS  This application must be approved by thel Liberty County Planning Commission  Tax! Map & Parcel#_ Approved by:  Zoning Classification Date Approved:  Date the request will be presented to Mayor and Council:  ***APPLICANT MUST COMPLETE THE AFFIDAVITS ANDI PROVIDE. A SECURE AND' VERIFIABLE DOCUMENT***    Private Employer Affidavit Pursuant To O.C.G.A. $ 36-60-6(d)  By executing this affidavit under oath, the undersigned private employer verifies one of the following with respect toi its application for a business license, occupational tax certificate, or other document required to operate a business as referenced in O.C.G.A. $ 36-60-6(d):  Section 1. Please check only one:  (A).  On. January 1" of the below-signed year, thei individual, firm, or corporation employed more than ten (10) employees'.  *** If you select Section 1(A), please fill out Section 2 and then execute below. X On January 1"oft the below-signed year, thei individual, firm, or *** If you select Section 1(B), please skip Section 2 and execute below. The employer has registered with and utilizes the federal work authorization; program in accordance with the applicable provisions and deadlines established. in O.C.G.A. $3 36-60-6. The undersigned private employer also attests that its federal work authorization user identification  corporation employed ten (10) or fewer employees.  Section 2.  number and date of authorization are as follows:  Name of Private Employer  Federal Work Authorization User Identification Number  Date of Authorization  Ihereby declare under penalty of perjury that thei foregoing is true and correct.  Executed on  201 in  (city),.  (state).  Signature of Authorized Officer or Agent  Printed Name and' Title of Authorized Officer or Agent  SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN. BEFORE ME  ONTHIS' THE. NOTARY PUBLIC My Commission Expires:  DAYOF.  201_  'To determine the number of employees for purposes oft this affidavit, al business must counti its total number of employees company-wide, regardless oft the city, state, or countryi in which they are based, working atl least 351 hours  a week.    0.CG.A850.361004 AFFIDAVIT  By executing this affidavit under oath, as an applicant for a loan, grant, tax credit and/or other public benefit, as referenced in O.C.G.A. $ 50-36-1, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the undersigned: applicant verifies one oft the following with respect to my application for aj public  benefit: 2) 3)_  X Iam al United States Citizen.  Iam al legal permanent resident of the United States.  Iam a qualified alien or non-immigrant under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act with an alien number issued by the Department of] Homeland Security or other federal My alien number issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other federal  immigration agency. immigration agency is:  The undersigned applicant also hereby verifies that he or shei is 18 years of age or older and has provided atl least one secure and verifiable document, as required by O.C.G.. A. $ 50-36-1(e)(I), with this affidavit. Thes secure and verifiable document provided with this affidavit can best be classified as:  Inr making the above representation under oath, I understand that any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an affidavit shall be guilty of a violation ofO.C.G.A. 16-10-20, and face criminal penalties as allowed by such criminal statute.  Executed this the_ day of  201 in  (city),  (state).  *Signature of Applicant TEAR S. HARRE Printed Name of Applicant  SUBSCRIBED AND: SWORN BEFORE ME ON THIS THE DAYO OF. NOTARY PUBLIC My Commission Expires:  201_  *This Affidavit must be signed by the same persons who executes the Application Certification Form Letter    A NALTHOUA  INC.1974 VILLE,  AGENDA ITEM2  Hurricane Helene Briefing  Councilman Robert Dodd    ALTHOU  NC.1974 LE  AGENDA ITEM3  Millage Rate Follow-up  Mayor and Council    D ALTHOUA  INC.I914 RVILLE, ILE IMIOVING  AGENDA ITEM 4  Sanitation Privatization Update  Councilman Mitchell Boston    NALTHOU  1974  VILLE,  AGENDA ITEM5  Construction Update  Mayor Sarah B. Hayes