AGENDA Mayor & Council Meeting 5pm Tuesday, April 8, 2025 1. Call to Order 2. Prayer 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Roll Call 5. Adopt Agenda 6. Adoption of Minutes--March 11, 2025 Regular Meeting 7. Clerk's Report 8. Department Reports 9. Mayor's Report 10. Council Members Questions/Comments 11. Old Business 12. New Business 13. Mayor & Council Work Session at 4:30pm Tuesday May 13, 2025 14. Mayor & Council Regular Meeting at 5pm Tuesday, May 13, 2025 15. Historic Preservation Commission Meeting 5:30pm Thursday, April 10, 2025 in City Hall Council Chambers 16. Citizens' Input 17. Executive Session Personnel & Legal Matters 18. Adjournment City ofSparta Mayor & Council Regular Meeting 5pm Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Elected Officials present were Mayor R. Allen Haywood, Mayor ProTem Rav Yisrael, Council Members Bandon Nolley, Tom Roberts, and Sandra Sherrod. City Clerk Virgina Webb was present. City Attorney John Hitchcock was not present. The meeting was called to order at 5 pm by Mayor ProTem Yisrael followed by a Moment of Silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and The Lord's Prayer. Adopt Agenda Councilman Roberts motioned to adopt the agenda; Councilman Nolley seconded. No discussion. Vote unanimous. Motion passed. Adoption of Minutes - March 11, 2025 Regular Meeting Councilman Nolley motioned to adopt March 11, 2025 minutes; Councilman Roberts seconded. No discussion. Vote unanimous. Motion passed. Clerk's Report 1. An application was submitted for Local Road Assistance (LRA) through the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) additional funding to support needed street repairs. 2. Information requested by FEMA is being compiled, and assistance was provided during the initial site inspection. 3. Assistance was provided with the FEMA/GEMA Burn Permit for hurricane debris removal, as required by law. 4. AI request was submitted to the Department of Transportation for the Prayer Walk scheduled on April 26, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Hancock County Courthouse and ending at JD Walls Gym. 5. Assistance was provided in soliciting volunteers and preparing for the "It Takes a Village" event, scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m, to 3:00 p.m. at the Old HCHS Football Field, located at 12560 Augusta Highway. The event will feature bounce houses, an Easter egg hunt, free health screenings, job opportunities, vacation giveaways, free food, free bloodwork, raffles, and various activities for children. The Atrium Health Navicent Mobile Mammography Unit will also be available at the Youth Opportunity Center on April 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Teresa Vanhorne at CAvanRAtumalag or 478-633- 1 2003. Additional inquiries may be directed to Virginia or Amanda at City Hall at 706- 444-5753, ext. 5 or ext. 7, respectively. 6. Assistance was provided and interviews were conducted for various departments, including the position of Code Enforcement Officer. 7. Efforts are focused on collecting accounts for the Water, Sewer, Gas and Garbage Collection departments, with requests for audits on all accounts. 8. The City of Sparta will host a free eyeglass clinic for citizens without vision insurance on Thursday, June 12, 2025. Participants must sign up and will be contacted to schedule an exam. Additional information will be provided at next month's meeting. 9. The City of Sparta will be hosting a benefit in support ofTremaine Ingram, a valued and dedicated employee of the Street Department, who was recently involved in a serious automobile accident. This event is being organized to help Mr. Ingram with medical expenses and other unforeseen costs resulting from the accident. Further details on the date, time and location of the benefit will be shared soon. We invite all members of the community to come together and show their support for Mr. Ingram during this challenging time. Department Reports (See pages 6-15) Mayor's Report 1. Lafayette Day was held on March 25, 2025, with approximately 150 attendees. The event included visits to the gravesites of 12 Revolutionary War prisoners, where they were laid to rest in Sparta. 2. The ARPA account was officially closed on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. 3. Legislative House Bill 137, which increases the threshold ofbidding requirements for city projects from $100,000 to $250,000, has been passed. 4. The City of Sparta is collaborating with the Gas Authority to reduce costs associated with gas system services such as leakage surveys and corrosion monitoring, which are currently outsourced at a high expense. The Gas Authority has provided free training to city staff and is considering the formation of a dedicated service team to perform these tasks more cost-effectively. A final decision is expected following the Gas Authority's annual meeting in May. 5. The relocation of natural gas lines in relation to the railroad has been completed, with invoices paid and confirmation that the service is intact. 6. The City has received an additional $32,000 in road funds from the state, which will be used for street maintenance and patching. This is in addition to the $68,000 previously awarded through LMIG funding during the past two years. 2 7. The City has been notified of a 4% increase in garbage service rates. This matter, including the potential adjustment of trash collection rates, will be discussed at the May meeting. 8. A proclamation signing program was held in City Hall in support of Child. Abuse Prevention Month, featuring the display of pinwheels in front of City Hall to raise awareness for the cause. 9. Multiple Ietters of support have been submitted by the City of Sparta for various initiatives, including funding for recreation projects, the acquisition of service trucks and the expansion of the City of Sparta Animal Shelter. 10. The City of Sparta is supporting Hancock County's partnership with Mercer University on al long-term initiative that includes support for a proposed health care facility, which may qualify for congressional designated funding. Council Members Questions/Comments Councilman Roberts appreciates the job that all departments are doing for the city. Old Business There was no old business. New business There is no new business. Mayor & Council work Sessions at 4:30pm Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Mayor & Council Regular Meeting at 5:30 pm Tuesday May 13, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting 5:30pm Thursday, April 10, 2025 in City Hall Council Chambers Citizens' Input 1. Dip Pollaty, a resident of the city and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Chairperson, reported an update regarding recent executive orders issued by President Trump. The new orders aim to reduce or eliminate funding for museums and libraries, which could significantly affect many ofthe grants the City currently depends on. He has contacted the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to gain clarity on how these changes might impact existing and future funding opportunities. He is currently waiting for a: response. Pollaty also mentioned that during the upcoming HPC meeting on Thursday, the group will be deciding on a date for the Preservation Commission Board training. He emphasized that this training is required in order to maintain the City's Certificate of Good Standing (COG). 3 2. Annie Brown, a resident ofthe city, told the Council she has been waiting for a top to be put on the meter box in her yard. She also spoke about aj problem she first reported in 1996- abandoned houses on Bell Street (formerly Louis Street). She lives across from one ofthe empty homes, known as the "grill house," and said it's upsetting to see it every day. She noted that several houses on the street are falling apart and should be torn down, but no one seems to want to take responsibility for them. Mayor Haywood stated the city will replace the meter box lid as soon as we can find a large one that matches the old box in her yard. Also, the City will be addressing the Property Maintenance Ordinance compliance in regard to abandoned properties. 3. Wilmertine Tolbert, a resident oft the city, stated that too many cars are speeding down Hwy 15, 4. Della Smith, a resident oft the county, said she has been talking with the new County Commission Chair about restarting the Iand bank. Years ago, both the city and county appointed members, but it stalled due to COVID issues. Now there's interest in using the land bank to help deal with rundown properties by selling them cheap for renovation or new construction. This would bring in tax revenue and improve neighborhoods. She noted some homes may be too far gone, but the land bank could still help in many cases. Executive Session Personnel & Legal Matters Councilman Roberts motioned to go into executive session; Councilman Nolley seconded. No discussion. Vote unanimous. Motion passed. Councilman Roberts motioned to return to regular session; Councilman Nolley seconded. No discussion. Vote unanimous. Motion passed. Councilman Roberts motioned for Fred Hurt to be hired for employment on the street department; Councilman Nolley seconded. No discussion. Vote unanimous. Motion passed. Councilman Nolley motioned to hire David Wilkerson for employment on the street department; Councilman Roberts seconded. No discussion. Vote unanimous. Motion passed. Councilman Roberts motioned to hire Cedric Mooreland as a property code enforcement contractor for the city; Council Nolley seconded. No discussion. Councilwoman Sherrod refused to vote. Vote 3-1. Motion passed. Councilman Roberts motioned to move the location of the police station; Councilman Nolley seconded. No discussion. Mayor ProTem Yisrael and Councilwoman Sherrod did not cast their vote each on the issue. So, as outlined in the City Charter, in the event of a tie, the Mayor shall cast the deciding vote. Mayor Haywood voted "Yes. >) 3-0 vote. Motion passed. 4 Adjournment Counciman Roberts motioned to adjourn the meeting; Councilman Nolley seconded. No discussion. Vote unanimous. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm. 5 Street Department 6 STREET DEPARTMENT April 8, 2025 a Cleaned all over growth inside & outside of fence line at Dixie Water Tower. Hauled away debris including satelltes, old wooden building and electrical wiring o Repaired washed out driveway on Jailhouse Road Clear cut Gas line from Warthen to Gettis Street and from Southside BP to Hancock State Prison. Cleared farmers taps from Warthen to Sparta Installed new rear tires on backhoe Contacted Hancock County Road Dept Superintendent to have ditches opened and road crowned (scraped) from Warren Chapel Road to the Lake intake Assisted on Water main break on Parkway Drive. Hauled 6 loads ofwet dirt away from site and hauled 6 loads of Crusher Run to fill in site of break Serviced Kubota tractor for upcoming grass cutting season Cleared inside fence of Water Tower on Lewis Street (Tin Man) Ordered overstock parts for weed eaters, mowers, etc) for mowers, weed eaters and edgers for overstock 7 April 8, 2025 City Council Report Water Distribution / Sewer Collection: Addressed recurring leak sites, including Old Augusta Highway (where a gas line complicates water line replacement) and Smith Street (routinely damaged by bus traffic). Completed multiple 2-inch line leak repairs on Elizabeth, Dixie Street, and Middle High-note that Dixie Street will require a full line replacement due to aging cast iron piping. Installed three new customer water and sewer taps in late March. Completed 45 work orders since the previous City Council meeting. Managed pump failure: GRWA loaner pump failed, our pump was sent to be rebuilt, and a rental pump was secured for one month at $2,800 until repairs complete. Issued a $800 bill to Comcast for damage to city utilities and after-hours emergency response. Issued a notice oft unlawful discharge to a local laundromat. Performed water cutoffs on March 18 - 222 cutoffs and 222 payment. Collaborated with EMI and began advertising for bids on the Wastewater Lift Station project. Earned GA811 Online Ticket Training Certification, enabling direct locate submissions by staff. Worked on updating City water line maps to be more accurate. 8 April 8, 2025 - City Council Report Administrative: Continued progress on the FEMA grant, including meetings with the LA Site Inspector and Coordinator. Continued progress on GIRMA claim, offer submitted for City Hall and Water Plant. Submitted an application for 400 children's coats through Operation Warm. Coordinated efforts for the 'It Takes A Village' Community Resource Expo scheduled for TAKESAVIAC April 19, 2025, COINUNITY RESOURCE EXPO featuring over 40 vendors, Easter egg SATURD APRIL 19, 2025 hunts, bounce houses, free health OAMTO MANCO CENTER screenings, job opportunities, and AuG S1 IA w RA A more. d HOSTED BY MAMMAI MIA & DJ SMOOV Applied for the $50,000 T-Mobile GIVEAWAYSE FREE HEALTH RAFFLES & WELLNESS MAMMOGRAMS RESOURCES FREEF FOODE KONAI ICE FREE BLOODWORK Hometown Grant to support EASTER EGG JOB HUNT OPPORTUNITIES OTHER KIDS ACTIVITIES development ofthe Pocket Park. CATCHU UP ANDS ROUTINE STAY VACCINESI UP TO DATE ON YOUR DA ALL WHILE SUPPLIESLAST Scheduled site visits from an electrician and a technician to obtain generator quotes for critical city rokENd equipment and facilities, in preparation for a Hazard Mitigation Grant application and to reduce GEFA-related costs. Compiled data for the upcoming Pipeline Modernization Grant through PHMSA. Continued addressing Lead and Copper Rule requirements, due July 2025. Conducted interviews for various departments, resulting in the hiring of a code enforcement officer and two maintenance workers. Procured essential supplies to enhance staff efficiency, speed, and safety. Submitted a FEMA prepayment request for Fire Department turnout gear. Applied for Congressional Spending allocations to support the acquisition of city vehicles, the pocket park, and the animal shelter. Submitted an application for the Firefighter Awareness Incentive Program. 9 April 8, 2025 - City Council Report Installed a temporary power pole in preparation for upcoming lagoon construction. Worked with K-9 units and correctional officers to detain trespassers on property. 10 April 8, 2025 - City Council Report Wastewater: Achieved 97% BOD and 80% TSS removal GDER GWG GBAA 6 efficiency. Detected traces of E. coli in D2 Groundwell Down 5; Field 4, which connects to it, hasn't been used in nearly two years. This well is near a creek and will be D4 replaced. Cleared fallen trees from 6 sample paths following storms. DASR Repaired a leak in the 2- inch influent clean water line. Gcio eig, D6R Conducted quarterly 608 wastewater sampling. Filled in rutted areas on the facility access road. Submitted a GEFA modification request to include $45,000 in repairs, replacements, or removals of groundwells. 11 April 8, 2025 - City Council Report CVOF SPARTE EM 12 April 8, 2025 - City Council Report Water Plant: Drew 30.67 million gallons from the lake and distributed 24.07 million gallons. Completed the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report and Risk & Resiliency Plan. o Submitted Asset Management Plan to EMI for review and final approval. USG Water used a water rover to inspect the Cleanvel-sedimentation was observed and cleaning will be scheduled. Performed the tri-annual cleaning ofthe Tinman Water Tank. o Removed debris and overhanging limbs from Dixie Water Tank. e Repaired a leak on the fluoride injector quill at Filter #1. o Labeled all pumps and equipment in compliance with EPD standards. Installed a screen around the Clearwell to meet EPD requirements. Experienced a storm-related power outage; the backup generator engaged per protocol. However, this remains an ongoing concern with GA Power's reliability. Working with Howard's team to restore turbidity meter functionality on SCADA (work in progress). Inspected the Old Industrial Park water tank-requires elevation and lead paint removal before reuse. This may be a cost-effective alternative to a new tank. Scheduled annual inspection of the Dixie Water Tank for April. - 13 April 8, 2025 = City Council Report Animal Shelter: Continued daily operations, including kennel cleaning. feeding, watering, enrichment activities, walks, and vaccinations. Partnered with Lake Oconee Humane Society to coordinate low-cost vet services on- site. Sent dogs Red and Lucy for evaluation at Greenville Humane Society; both were declined due to temperament-Lucy, was unresponsive and Red exhibited dominance when challenged but was not aggressive. Humanely euthanized four black labs based on extended shelter stays and low sociability, per Humane Society recommendation. Facilitated the adoption of Moe, a black lab. Collaborated with the Police Department to return stray dogs to owners or find rescue placements. Received over $2,700 in in-kind donations, including Odoban, dog food, flea/tick preventatives, treats, and various medications. Applied to participate in the "Empty the Shelters" reduced-fee adoption event. Red - Male - Intake: 10/12/23 Lucy - Female - Intake: 10/12/23 14 April 8, 2025 - City Council Report Natural Gas Department: Responded to and closed 47 locate tickets through GA811. 0 Cleaned and maintained gas line signage. Reviewed and validated completion of outstanding work orders from the previous administration. Met with customers to address meter-related concerns and investigate high gas usage. Participated in GA Gas Authority training achieved certification in all but five areas. Organized and filed department documents in preparation for the May 2025 PSC Inspection. Collected quotes for tools and equipment essential to department operations. Repaired a gas leak at the JD Walls Youth Center. Attended the Natural Gas Conference in Macon from April 7-9. Gunter, Bobby EWN 202283 Supervisor(s) Task Curen Completion Valid :as Task NaT Datc Jntil Stalus 3135 332036 : 2145 142056 : 5 6303E 2024 ar:S 225 T 2005 337 203 15