City ofDonalsonville Council Meeting-March 4, 2025 Official Minutes Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr. called the Public Hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Councilmembers present for the meeting included Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr., Mayor Pro Tem Ed Bond, CP Mitch Blanks, CP Mitzy Moye, CP Lindsay Register, CP Travis Brooks, and CP Flossie Smith. Staff present were City Manager Jeffrey Hatcher, City Clerk Christina Corvers, Fire Chief Dean King, Police Chief Kem Pugh, Public Works Superintendent Bert Adams and City Attorney Chip Stewart. Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr. stated that the purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive public input and comments regarding the proposed rezoning ofthe following from C-1 Central Business District to R-B General Residential: 207 East Carr Street Following no discussions regarding the proposed rezoning, Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr. declared the Public Hearing adjourned at 6:01 PM. Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr. then called the Council Meeting to order at 6:01 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. After which Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr. gave the invocation, then all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America. Councilmembers present for the meeting included Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr., Mayor Pro Tem Ed Bond, CP Mitch Blanks, CP Lindsay Register, CP Mitzy Moye, CP Travis Brooks, and CP Flossie Smith. Staff present were City Manager Jeffrey Hatcher, City Clerk Christina Corvers, Fire Chief Dean King, Police Chief Kem Pugh, Public Works Superintendent Bert Adams and City Attorney Chip Stewart. Approval ofthe Agenda: Mayor Johnson requested an agenda amendment to include an update from City Attorney Stewart under Old Business regarding local legislation. The update concerns the Mayor being elected for a two-year term in 2025, with subsequent terms set at four years. CP Brooks then moved to amend the agenda accordingly, with CP Register seconding. Motion carried. CP Smith then made a motion to approve the Agenda as amended. Mayor Pro Tem Bond seconded; motion passed. Next was the approval of the minutes from the following meetings: January 31, 2025, Public Hearing January 31, 2025, Called Council Meeting February 4, 2025, Council Meeting February 13, 2025, Public Hearing February 24, 2025, Public Hearing CP Smith made a motion to approve the above Meeting Minutes, with Mayor Pro Tem Bond seconding. Motion passed. APPEARANCES: Fire Chief King presented the monthly Code Enforcement update in place of Code Enforcer Tony Morris, who was away for training. Next, Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Tori Gravlee gave an update on the Board's recent and upcoming activities to include the following: The Firehouse BBQ Festival is scheduled for March 15, 2025, at the Donalsonville Fire Department. Community Wide Yard Sale will be held on March 15, 2025, at the Old Fair Grounds Property from 7:00AM to 2:00 PM. A Downtown Merchant and Business Owner Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Chamber of Commerce boardroom. Voiced the DDA's concerns about potentially relocating City Hall and the Police Department, along with reasons highlighting the importance of keeping City Hall in the downtown district. David Maxwell then provided an update on the survey results that One Seminole requested from the citizens of Donalsonville. Next, Chamber of Commerce President Kadie Matthews gave an update on the Chamber of Commerce to include the following: The Miss Seminole County Pageant was held March 1, 2025. The Georgia Bass Nation High School Tournament will be held at Reynolds Landing March 7-8, 2025. The 1st Quarterly Business After Hours of 2025 will take place at the Donalsonville Lions Hall on March 13, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The. Annual Farmers Appreciation Luncheon is scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the Donalsonville Lions Hall. The Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting ceremony for Graceful Oaks Gifts and Apparel is scheduled for March 21, 2025, at 10:00. AM. The Annual Boots & Roots Rodeo is scheduled for April 25-26, 2025. Seminole County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Director Sarah. Avery provided an update on a grant for renovations to the City Park and presented a model board showcasing the park's future design. EDA. Director Avery requested the City of] Donalsonville approve the proposed City Park upgrade plans, contingent on receiving the grant, and sought assistance from the Public Works Department for portions of the labor. After some discussion, CP Moye made a motion to approve the proposed City Park upgrade plans, contingent on receiving the grant, and authorized assistance from the Public Works Department for portions ofthe labor, with CP Blanks seconded. Motion carried. Lastly, EDA Director Avery provided an update on the Cobblestone Project, stating that the City's Fairgrounds property is the last viable location for the project. After some discussion, all were in favor of allowing the proposed hotel to proceed at this location. Next, Asia Williams and Shakedia Williams requested permission to hold a Cancer Awareness/Survivor: Event on. April 5, 2025, to honor individuals that have been affected by the disease. Additionally, Shakedia Williams requested a Police escort while the fund-raising motorcycle ride is being held. All funds received will be donated to the American Cancer Association. After some discussion, CP Blanks made a motion to approve the request to hold a Cancer Awareness/Survivor Event on April 5, 2025, along with providing Police escort pending coordination from the Donalsonville Police Department. CP Moye seconded. Motion passed. John Brannon then requested the rezoning of. Jospeh Avenue from C-1 (Commercial) to R-B (Residential) to ensure compliance with the City of Donalsonville's Housing Ordinance. After some discussion, Mr. Brannon was advised to proceed with the official request, including posting the notice on the property and in the Donalsonville News as required. INTERNAL BUSINESS INTERNAL BUSINESS: The Financial Statements for January 2025 were presented and reviewed with comments made by City Manager Hatcher on the current status, along with discussion on the three-month analysis. OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS: City Manager Hatcher recommended approving the rezoning request for 207 East Carr Street, changing its designation from C-1 Commercial to R-B General Residential, as the request has already been properly advertised. City Manager Hatcher noted that this approval is the final step before Planning and Zoning can review the project's development plan. After some discussion, CP Smith made a motion to approve the re-zoning request of207 East Carr Street from C-1 Commercial to R-B General Residential. CP Brooks seconded; motion carried. Next, City Manager Hatcher recommended approving the previously tabled Human Resource contract with BamBee. City Manager Hatcher explained that the contract would provide the City of Donalsonville with a certified Human Resources professional to review and update the City's personnel policies in accordance with current regulations. This professional will also assist with hiring, onboarding, and various HR matters. Additionally, the contract includes resources to enhance compliance and protect the City from potential litigation related to Human Resource issues. After some discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Bond made a motion to enter into an agreement with BamBee for the Human Resources contract. CP Blanks seconded; motion passed. City Manager Hatcher provided an update on former officer reimbursement, stating that the City has been working to recover training costs from officers who left before fulfilling their contracts. Currently, the City is awaiting reimbursement from four former officers. Next, City Manager Hatcher stated that the County is in the process ofhiring a new Elections Superintendent, who will be responsible for communicating voting district changes to the State. While efforts were made to address this issue with the previous Superintendent, it remains incomplete. The updates must be finalized before the upcoming fall elections. City Manager Hatcher reported that mitigation efforts for the Police Department building are taking significantly longer than anticipated. Currently, some areas of the building are without air conditioning. While a few existing buildings were considered, the high rental and preparation' costs made them unfeasible. As a result, a quote has been requested for a temporary building to house the department. The most practical solution is a temporary relocation until the building can be repaired or a new facility constructed. After further discussion, CP Smith made a motion to proceed with the installation ofa modular building near the Fire Department as a temporary solution until aj permanent facility can be established. CP Register seconded. AYES: CP Smith, CP Register, CP Brooks, CP Blanks, and CP Bond. NAYS: CP Moye., Motion carried. Next, City Attorney Stewart gave an update on the request to the General Assembly to allow the Mayor to be elected for a two-year term in 2025, with subsequent terms being four years. City Attorney Stewart stated that the request has been introduced as House Bill 619 and passed the House today, March 4, 2025, and will now move onto the Senate for approval. NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS: City Manager Hatcher presented Resolution 03-04-25, Promoting Civility in the City of Donalsonville for adoption. City Manager Hatcher noted that Donalsonville is currently designated as a City of Civility by the GMA, and renewing this certification requires the approval of a new resolution outlining standards for conducting city business. After some discussion, CP Blanks made a motion to adopt Resolution 03-04-25, Promoting Civility in the City of Donalsonville, with CP Register seconding. AYES: CP Blanks, CP Register, CP Moye, CP Brooks, and CP Bond. NAYS: CP Smith. Motion passed. Next, City Manager Hatcher presented Resolution 03-04-25 A, Authorizing the Execution for the Rural Utilities Services (RUS). City Manager Hatcher noted that adopting the resolution is a required step in securing Congressionally Designated funding for the eDonalsonville expansion project. Additionally, the Council will need to appoint authorized signers to approve drawdowns for project funds. After some discussion, CP Smith made a motion to approve Resolution 03-04-25 A, Authorizing the Execution for the Rural Utilities Services (RUS) and to appoint Mayor Ron Johnson, Jr., Councilperson Travis Brooks, and City Clerk Christina Corvers as authorized signers to approve drawdowns for project funds for the eDonalsonville expansion project. CP Register seconded. Motion carried. City Manager Hatcher then stated that Teel Massey has inquired about using the Farmers Market facility and has expressed interest in making repairs to the building. Since the facility is currently unused, this arrangement would generate income while providing much-needed improvements. City Manager Hatcher noted that previous lease agreements for agricultural use ofthe facility have been reviewed and recommends authorizing a lease agreement with Teel Massey. After some discussion, CP Blanks made a motion to authorize City Manager Hatcher and City Attorney Stewart to draft an agreement between Teel Massey and the City of Donalsonville for the use of the Farmers Market facility at a rate of $600 per month. Mayor Pro Tem Bond seconded. Motion passed. Next, City Manager Hatcher stated that he had been in discussions with various firms regarding the Auditor çontract. Due to regulatory changes, many firms no longer provide government auditing services. However, CKH CPA's & Advisors, LLC, a well-established firm with experience serving smaller cities, remains a viable option. City Manager Hatcher recommended approving the proposed Auditor contract with CKH CPA's & Advisors, LLC. Mayor Pro Tem Bond then made a motion to approve the proposed Auditor contract with CKH CPA's & Advisors, LLC., with CP Register seconding. Motion carried. City Manager Hatcher then presented the proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget Calendar for the Councils consideration. After some discussion, CP Blanks made a motion to approve the proposed FY 2025-2026 Budget Calendar, with CP Brooks seconding. Motion passed. Next, City Manager Hatcher opened a discussion on 2nd Street, noting that there have been requests for its repaving. City Manager Hatcher explained that full reconstruction would require extensive milling and repairs. However, the City is considering an option to repair the section near the end ofthe street as a temporary improvement until the entire roadway can be addressed. Additionally, City Manager Hatcher pointed out that several other streets in Donalsonville have greater needs, as identified in a priority list developed by Public Works and the City's engineer. City Manager Hatcher recommended proceeding with thei installation ofhot patches on 2nd Street to improve its condition. CP Smith then moved to approve the installation ofhot patches on 2nd Street to improve its condition, with CP Brooks seconding. Motion carried. City Manager Hatcher then recommended approving membership in Georgia's Own Credit Union. City Manager Hatcher noted that this membership is free of cost and imposes no additional requirements on the City of] Donalsonville. The membership will offer employees and their families an additional banking option, and the organization is also willing to provide financial education classes to promote responsible spending and saving habits. After some discussion, CP Smith made a motion to approve the City's membership in Georgia's Own Credit Union, with Mayor Pro Tem Bond seconding. Motion passed. Next, City Manager Hatcher recommended approving the Telematic Service Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management. City Manager Hatcher noted that this service would enhance the City's ability to. monitor its vehicle fleet by tracking mileage, fuel usage, maintenance intervals, and other key data. The City has observed a significant drop in efficiency in some vehicles, and this service would help monitor and address those issues. After some discussion, CP Smith made a motion to approve the agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for the Telematic Service, with CP Moye seconding. AYES: CP Smith, CP Moye, CP Register, CP Brooks, and CP Bond. NAYS: CP Blanks. Motion carried. Police Chief Pugh introduced Mr. Emerson Lundy from the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, who then provided a brief overview ofthe department and its programs. Mr. Lundy then presented the Council with the SWTEN agreement. The Southwestern Traffic Enforcement Network (SWTEN) is one of Georgia's regional traffic enforcement networks under the Governor's Office ofHighway Safety (GOHS). Its primary goal is to improve road safety by coordinating efforts among local law enforcement agencies within the region. Through collaboration, SWTEN works to reduce traffic-related incidents, injuries, and fatalities. This initiative supports GOHS's mission to educate the public on safe driving practices and implement programs aimed at, decreasing crashes and preventing injuries and fatalities on Georgia's roadways. After some discussion, CP Blanks made a motion to approve the SWTEN agreement, with CP Register seconding. AYES: CP Blanks, CP Register, CP Bond, CP Brooks, and CP Smith. ABSTAIN: CPI Moye. Motion passed. Next, City Manager Hatcher stated that it was time to appoint the City ofl Donalsonville representatives for the Golden Triangle RC&D for the 2025 calendar year. The current City representâtives for the Golden Triangle RC&D board are Mayor Pro Tem Bond and Councilmember Lindsay Register. After some discussion, CP Smith made a motion to re-appoint Mayor Pro Tem Bond and CPI Register to serve on the Golden Triangle RC&D board for the coming year, with CP Brooks seconding Motion passed. City Manager Hatcher then requested the Council declare the following surplus property no longer needed for municipal purposes and to authorize the disposal of the property in a manner in accordance with state law: (1) Kenwood Radio (9) Phones Model IP4WW-24TXH-B-TEL (1) Phone Console (1) Fujitsu Printer/ Scanner (2) Lenovo Keyboard w/ Mouse (8) Yealink Phones (Verizon) (1) Acer Computer Monitor (1)4 Asus computer Monitor (1) Lenovo Tower (I) Linksys by Cisco (1) D-Link Router (1) Call Radio Phone (1)) Biz Card Reader 901 (1) Radio After some discussion, CP Blanks made a motion to declare the above presented list as surplus property no longer needed for municipal purposes and to authorize the disposal oft the property in ai manner in accordance with state law, with CP Brooks seconding. Motion carried. Next, City Manager Hatcher presented the Council with the Communications Department update, with a review of the eDonalsonville monthly report. City Manager Hatcher stated that the City is finalizing the necessary paperwork to process the Release of Funds. Once completed, the project will progress quickly. Lastly, City Manager Hatcher noted that bids have already been secured and will move forward after the required 30-day bidding period. Fire Chief King provided an update on recent Fire Department activities, including a brief status report on the Ladder Truck, which is currently undergoing repairs. He also noted that the Department will begin flushing fire hydrants throughout the month of! March. Next, Police Chief Pugh stated he had nothing to report at this time. Public Works Superintendent Adams then stated he had nothing to report at this time. Next, City Manager Hatcher gave an update on the following: Clean-up Days: The City of Donalsonville has planned two clean-up days: Saturday, March 8, 2025, and Saturday, March 22, 2025. Residents are encouraged to place items by the roadside for collection. Please ensure smaller items are bagged in trash bags. Larger items will also be collected, but only after these designated dates. Please note that tires are not included in the pickup. Transportation Alternative (TA) Grant: The City has applied for a grant through the Regional Commission to install additional sidewalks within the City Limits. The project will cover the area from Westbrooke Place and surrounding neighborhood streets. This initiative is part ofa broader regional plan aimed at enhancing walkability in cities. CDS Funding: Another opportunity for CDS funding has become available. In the procèss of preparing applications to secure funding for Police Department car cameras. While funding is not guaranteed, this is a valuable opportunity that the City does not want to miss out on. GEFA: The City has submitted its application for funding to construct a new water tank in the northeast corner of Donalsonville. This project will enhance the City's water system, ensuring sufficient capacity for both current and future growth. The City ofl Donalsonville will receive 50% forgiveness on the project cost, representing a significant cost-sharing partnership with the State of Georgia. Joint City/County Workshop: The next Joint Workshop for local government entities is scheduled for the end of March. The final date will be announced soon. With there being no further business to come before the Mayor and Council, at 7:38 PM, CP Smith made a motion to adjourn, with CP Brooks making a second; and the motion carried. ADJOURNED City of Donalsonville RonJohpson, Jr., Mayor Attest and Certification: I, Christina Corvers, do here Attest and Certify that the above written is a true and correct representation ofthe business and actions conducted during the March 4, 2025 meeting ofthe Mayor and Council of the City ofl Donalsonville. Christina Corvers. CityClerk