City Council

City of Bowdon Mayor and Council Meeting Monday September 9, 2024 7:00PM Mayor and Council Chambers, 182 Grammar School Road I.- IV. Agenda Items: The Mayor and City Council met for a regular meeting on Monday, September 9th, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-tem Marty Johnson at 7:00PM. The invocation was led by Pastor Justin Richards from Bowdon Baptist Church and was followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Mayor Randy Saxon (by phone – tested positive for COVID) Mayor Pro-tem Marty Johnson Councilmember Jan Johnson Councilmember Wes McEntyre Councilmember Bobby Elliott Staff present: Police Chief Mark Brock Acting City Manager/Main Street Director Jan Gibbs City Attorney Kevin Drummond Absent: City Clerk Susan Pierce (Clerk’s Conference-Athens) V. Approval of Meeting Agenda – The agenda was amended for the City Attorney to address Council. VI. Approval of Minutes The minutes from the August 12, 2024 meeting were approved with no objections. The agenda was approved with no objections. VII. Public Hearing – Comprehensive Plan Paul Jarrell from the Three Rivers Regional Commission reviewed the updated draft for the 2024-2044 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan will officially be adopted in October. VIII. Public Comments None. IX. Business Session City Attorney Kevin Drummond addressed the Council concerning 2 more PFAS “Forever Chemical” cases, which are covered under our original agreement with the attorneys handling the DUPONT cases, so do not require a vote. A. Approval of 2024 Property Tax Millage Rate – As discussed at last month’s meeting, the council was in favor and has advertised accepting the rollback millage rate from the county of 6.464. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to approve accepting the rollback millage rate of 6.464; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. B. Year-end Budget Amendments – Jan Gibbs gave an overview of the FY 2024 year-end budget amendments. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to approve the FY 2024 year-end budget amendments as presented; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously.  City of Bowdon Mayor & Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2024 C. Baseball Field Lights/Poles - Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to table this item until further information could be gathered on financing options for the purchase; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. D. Additional Gymnastics Equipment Purchases – There were a few items left off the original quote, including some gymnastics equipment and plumbing fixtures. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to approve the purchase of the additional items needed for the Gymnastics Center as presented; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. E. Administrative Discretion for Setbacks – The new owners of Scarlett Place Subdivision requested a slight setback variance of 4.5 feet on one lot to accommodate an existing drainage ditch. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to approve the 4.5 foot setback for one lot in Scarlett Place Subdivision to accommodate the existing drainage ditch, but emphasized that this was a one-time approval; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. F. Approval of Georgia Dept. of Revenue Form for Blue Lined Speed Cameras – City Attorney Drummond said approval was not required, we just need to get the mayor’s signature and mail the form. G. Mayor’s Reports – Mayor Saxon has spoken to Commissioner Danny Bailey concerning the county possibly helping the city out with the cost of replacing the Recreation Department baseball field lights and light poles. H. City Manager Reports – nothing further. I. Department Reports – no questions. X. Financial Session A. Property Tax Unpaid Balance Summary – no questions. B. July/August Financial Reports – no report yet. C. Cash Balances as of 08/30/2024 – no question Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. XI. Executive Session Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to exit Executive Session; second by Councilmember Jan Johnson; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to adjourn the meeting; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. XII. Adjournment _________________________ ________________________ Mayor Randy Saxon City Clerk Susan Pierce