City Council

City of Bowdon Mayor and Council Meeting Monday, April 8, 2024 7:00PM Mayor and Council Chambers, 182 Grammar School Road I.- VI. Agenda Items: The Mayor and City Council met for a regular meeting and Public Hearing on Monday, April 8th, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Randy Saxon at 7:00PM. The invocation was led by Councilmember Wes McEntyre and was followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Mayor Randy Saxon Councilmember Jan Johnson Councilmember Wes McEntyre Councilmember Bobby Elliott Absent: Mayor Pro-tem Marty Johnson Staff present: Police Chief Mark Brock City Clerk Susan Pierce Main Street Director Jan Gibbs The minutes from March 11, 2024 meeting were approved with no objections. The agenda was approved with no objections. VII. Public Comments None. VIII. Business Session A. Library Board Appointments – The Warren P. Sewell Memorial Library Board of Trustees submitted two requests for board members whose terms will expire in June 2024. Julia Fordham does not wish to serve another term, so the board has recommended the nomination of Cathy Stanfill to take her place. Holly Larson’s term will also expire in June 2024 and has agreed to serve another term. The board has recommended the reappointment of Holly to the board. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to approve the nomination of Cathy Stanfill to replace Julia Fordham on the Warren P. Sewell Memorial Library Board as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to approve the reappointment of Holly Larson to the Warren P. Sewell Memorial Library Board as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. B. Flock Cameras – Mayor Saxon recommended we go ahead with the four Flock Cameras, with one at each north, south, east, and west city limits coming into town, and one in the center of town. The one in the center of town will probably have to be mounted on a 20’ pole in Freedom Park unless we can find a better spot. Mr. Triplett checked with our accountant, and we may be able to offset some of the cost with the funds from the speed cameras at the high school. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to approve the installation of the Flock Cameras as presented; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously.  City of Bowdon Mayor & Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2024 C. Gymnastics Addition – Updated timeline from Bell & Associates Architects – Mayor Saxon and Mr. Triplett met with the architects last week for an updated timeline for the renovations. Estimated fees will remain the same. The schedule will be very tight. A portion of the gymnastics activities will have to be moved to the Copeland Hall gym for a period of time while the renovations are in process. They hope to be moved back in time for basketball to start. They will also put up a plastic barrier through the center so that normal gymnastics activities can go on while construction takes place. They also discussed reconfiguration of the first floor including office space, storage space and activity space for birthday parties, etc. They should provide a final drawing in about 2 weeks. The soil test has been completed but results are not in yet. They also agreed to do away with the viewing area which will save money because we will not have to install a sprinkler system. D. Mayor’s Reports – The city attorney, mayor, Bobby Elliott and Jim Triplett met with Frank Norment Homes concerning lot sizes in the proposed mobile home park expansion off of Sandy Flat Road. They agreed to expand the lot sizes to 7000 square feet, and the road will be up to city standards, without curbs and gutters. They will have drainage ditches, but no sidewalks. Mr. Drummond noted that former City Manager Gary Bullock did a good job negotiating a bad situation. They would like to start by third or fourth quarter of this year, depending on their ability to secure financing. Mayor Saxon and Daniel Ivey went to Watts Park and walked off the proposed walking trail. The quote will be for a 1000-foot walking trail, 4 feet wide with crush and run as the base. Mayor Saxon tried to get a quote for moving the playground, and possibly a new playground. E. City Manager reports – Jim Triplett thanked everyone for the warm welcome to him as Interim City Manager. He has been meeting with department heads concerning the budget. He said the financials look good. General Fund revenues are at 94%. Budgeted property tax collection has actually been met this month. Charges for services are approximately 89% ahead of budget with the increase in sanitation fees but is offset on the expense side. We may have to increase allowances for electricity, natural gas, and some professional services that have increased such as payroll and computer/technical services. Water/Sewer Fund revenues are at 82%. Operating expenses are at 73%. He would like to commend the department heads for managing their budgets well. F. Department Reports – New Code Enforcement Officer Tim Tant has been doing a good job checking businesses for business licenses. IX. Financial Session A. Property Tax Unpaid Balance Summary B. March Financial Reports C. Cash Balances as of 04/02/2024 Mayor Saxon asked for a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to enter into Executive Session to discuss personnel; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. X. Executive Session - Personnel  City of Bowdon Mayor & Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2024 Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to exit Executive Session; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to adjourn the meeting; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. XI. Adjournment _________________________ ________________________ Mayor Randy Saxon City Clerk Susan Pierce