City of Reidsville City Council Meeting Monday June 14, 2021 Draft Copy- Not approved by Council until July 12, 2021 The regularly scheduled meeting ofthe Reidsville City Council was held on Monday June 14, 2021 at 5:00 pm. Members of Council present: Carolyn Crume- Blackshear Bruce Conner Lindsay Bennett Verdie Williams Doug Williams City Attorney DuAnn Cowart-Davis was present. Nivea Jackson, City Clerk was present. The audience was welcomed by Mayor Carolyn Blackshear. Next, the attendees were led by Councilman Bruce Conner in a word of prayer, followed by the pledge of allegiance which was done in unison by all. Mrs. Blackshear announced that she would entertain a motion to adopt the minutes from the last meeting. Doug Williams made the motion to adopt the minutes from the last meeting. Motion by: Doug Williams 2nd by: Verdie Williams Vote: Motion carried unanimous The Department Supervisors were next on the agenda. Walt Rogers, Assistant Fire Chief, made the report for the Fire Dept. It was asked that ifthe Fire Dept would continue their response to the hospital for safety, the hospital would make an in-kind donation of$5000.00 to contribute towards a Jaws ofLife piece of equipment for the fire truck. The Fire Dept's response was not necessary but was greatly appreciated and deemed for the greater good in the event of a mishap with a helicopter. A motion was made to continue the Fire Department's response to Optim hospital for life flights. Motion by: Verdie Williams 2nd by: Doug Williams Vote: Motion carried unanimous 1IPage hangers would be placed in the next coming week in an effort to recoup the many losses on residences that owed outstanding water bills. The door hangers would let the residents know what their bill was and give them a reasonable amount oft time to come in and pay what was outstanding. The City would move to disconnect residents with outstanding balances if no contact and nonpayment continued. A citizen asked what would happen if residents simply couldn'tp pay their bill. Blackshear answered, that every consideration would be made to assist any citizens who was trying to clear up the matter. Councilman Conner interjected in saying that "people not paying their water bills, but were enjoying the convenience of water, was theft of services". Councilwoman Williams added that "something needed to give because the City cannot continue to run with citizens not paying their bills". Mayor Blackshear added that Georgia Power had long suspended its courtesy of allowing citizens to not pay for service. Councilwoman Williams agreed that "people will find a way to pay for essential services". Councilman Conner agreed with the both of them and added that there were many assistance programs that would help those struggling to pay their water bills. Mrs. Blackshear added that "just this week, the ladies in the office identified a citizen who actively paid her water bill. The citizen could not afford to pay the balance every month, but at least brought in something and paid regularly. She was offered assistance through a program and was approved to receive funding to help clear her water bill debt. The City doesn't mind helping citizens on a case-by- case basis.' 99 Former Mayor Rewis was in the audience and asked the Council if they would be looking at things on a case-by-case before disconnecting services. Mrs. Blackshear assured the meeting attendees that they would, but would be stern about collecting lost revenue that nearly crippled the City last year and was a major reason the City had to take out a loan, ensuring the City could continue to conduct business. It was also mentioned that other measures would be considered to secure collection of delinquent business licenses and property taxes as well. The next item up for discussion was the new fiscal year budget. The PC firm that was hired to complete bookkeeping and firm up the City's budget had proven unresourceful. The City has decided to adopt the current budget at level spending until bookkeeping and accounting could be completed with a successful audit. The Council would return to address budgets later after the beginning ofthe new: fiscal year which begins July 1, 2021. Mayor Blackshear added that hopefully by that time the City would have received its portion of the American Rescue funds. A motion was raised to adopt the new fiscal year's budget at level spending and then revisit the budget later after the fiscal year begins. Motion by: Bruce Conner 2nd by: Verdie Williams Vote: Motion carried unanimous The last item of business was the Mayor election. Mrs. Blackshear announced that the following day was the designated Special Election vote day. Wishes of good luck were extended to both parties, Charles Eddie Rewis and Curtis Colwell. She also added it was the Council's hope no matter who won the race, that both of the candidates would remain to be pillars of resources to 3/Page June 16, 2021 Exeçutive Session At 5:55pm Doug Williams made a motion for the Council to go into Executive Session from the regular City Council Meeting. The City Attorney received information from the Development Authority about a parcel of land that is on industrial Ave. It is 11-13 acres deeded to the Development Authority by Charles Rewis, former Mayor (deceased). Debra Joiner is making claim to the Downtown Development Authority, that Mr. Rewis, in fact deeded her the land. The Attorney asked if any members knew about the property or whom it may have been deeded to? No one had any idea. Lindsay Bennett requested that the Attorney do a thorough deed search and to speak with Joiner concerning the matter for proof and clarity. The issue would be tabled pending further investigation. At 6:14pm, Bruce Conner made a motion to return to the regular meeting and end the Executive Session. It was 2nd by Doug Williams.