MINUTES OF THE WASHINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING May 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. EDWARD B. POPE CONFERENCE CENTER 48B Lexington Avenue, Washington, GA 30673 The Mayor and City Council of the City of Washington, Georgia, held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Edward B. Pope Conference Center. Councilmembers present were Anderson, Fisher, Gunter, Hill, and Cullars. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting began with an invocation led by Mayor Bruce Bailey, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance with special mention for those who have passed away, specifically for Councilman Maceo Mahoney's family, asking for strength and encouragement during difficult times. Approval of March 10, 2025, Meeting Minutes Approval of April 25, 2025, Called Meeting Minutes Councilman Cullars moved to approve the minutes, stipulating that a notation explaining why the April meeting was not held due to Councilman Mahoney's death be included. Councilman Gunter seconded this motion. The motion was approved by a vote of the following: Cullars-Y, Hill-Y, Anderson-Y, Fisher-Y, and Gunter-Y, and passed unanimously. Approval of Meeting Agenda The motion was made by Councilman Cullars, seconded by Councilman Gunter, to approve the meeting agenda, including an agenda item from Councilman Cullars from the April 14th agenda, "A motion to name City Hall Willie Edward Burns Municipal Building". After discussion ensued regarding the agenda items from the April 14th agenda, a vote was called: Cullars-Y, Hill-Y, Anderson-Y, Fisher-N, Gunter-Y. 4-Y, 1-N. Motion passed. Citizens' Comments: Limit to 3 minutes Several citizens expressed concerns and opinions on various topics, including the cost of Special Elections, District 1 Vacancy, Special Election Scheduling, city funding for organizations, the URA budget, and the need for community meetings. City Attorney Discussion Items: Acknowledgments City attorney appreciated Councilman Maceo Mahoney, nighlighting his candor and dedication to representing his constituents. The attorney thanked Mahoney's family and the citizens of Washington for the opportunity to serve alongside him. City Administrator Discussion/Action Items a. Millage rate- -The council and city administrator discussed and agreed to a preliminary millage rate comparable to last year's rate to submit to the Tax Commissioner. Mayor's Discussion Items/Action Items: Council Members' Discussion/Action Items: 1. Councilman Anderson: a. Motion made by Councilman Anderson for the council to call for a Special Election as soon as possible to fill the District 1 city council seat vacated by the loss of Councilman Mahoney, in concert with all state laws and regulations, seconded by Councilman Hill. Call for vote: Anderson-Y, Hill-Y, Cullars-Y, Fisher-Y, Gunter-Abstained. Motion passed. 4-Y, 1-Abstained. 2. Councilman Hill: a. During our 2025 budget sessions, we allocated $75,000 to the URA and requested that they bring back certain documents for the council to review. I am satisfied with the documents provided by the URA. I am motioning to move forward with the requested funding for the URA for two years. Discussion: The mayor and council agreed that the URA should meet with the city administrator and a councilman from each district. b. During the February meeting, the City Council instructed the 4E organization to create a youth work initiative/program and bring it back to the City Council. Councilman Hill moved to accept this youth work program as requested and award 4E the $60,000 funding already outlined in our 2025 budget. Discussion: The mayor and council agreed that 4E should meet with the city administrator. C. During our April 2025 SPECIAL CALL MEETING to discuss the process for a special election, I propose that Councilman Gunter recall his motion and move forward with the special election ASAP to replace Councilman Maceo Mahoney. The information needed wasn't available for the City Council to review. (This line item is withdrawn. Action has been taken care of under Councilman Anderson's items.) d. The Historic Properties committee has formed a Juneteenth planning committee without the Mayor's and City Council's approval. I make a motion that all Historic committee members are appointed by the Mayor and Council and operate within guidelines, with policies and procedures like all other committees and boards under the City of Washington. (Tabled) 3. Councilman Cullars: a. Councilman Cullars motioned to name the city hall "Willie Edward Burns Municipal Building. Seconded by Hill. Cullars-Y, Hill-Y, Fisher-N, Anderson-N. Gunter-Abstained. Motion failed. 2-Y, 2-N. 1 abstained. The mayor did not break the tie. Executive Session Councilman Cullars made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gunter, to go into executive session. The motion passed. Cullars-Y, Hill-Y, Anderson-Y, Fisher-Y, Gunter-Y. Return to the Regular Session and proceed to cast any necessary votes. Attorney Nelson: 1 real estate, 2 Personnel Matters. The council voted to accept a gift of property. The motion passed - Cullars-Y, Hill-Y, Fisher- Y, Gunter-Y. No action was taken on the two personnel matters. Adjournment Councilman Cullars moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Hill. The motion passed. Cullars-Y, Hill-Y, Anderson-Y, Fisher-Y, Gunter-Y. 1 yook a Lok Bruce A Bailey, Mayor Yoshe T. Jenkins, V, City Clerk / G AFFIDAVIT STATE OF GEORGIA CITY OF WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES May 12, 2025 Washington, Georgia's mayor and City Council went into executive session on May 12, 2025. The following members were present: Mayor Bruce Bailey, Newton Gunter, David Fisher, Jr., Larry Hill, Andy Anderson, and Nathaniel Cullars, Sr. Attorney Adam Nelson were also present. A quorum was present; Mayor Bruce Bailey called the meeting to order and presided over it. Executive Session Summary During the executive session, the council discussed one real estate matter and two personnel matters. The council voted to accept a gift of property. The motion passed - Cullars-Y, Hill-Y, Fisher-Y, Gunter-Y. No action was taken on the two personnel matters. Thebpen session was reconvened at 7:35 Wosle 4uh. Bruce A Bailey, Mayor Yoshe T. Jenkins, Clerk C as a