City Council

City of Bowdon Mayor and Council Meeting Monday November 11, 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, November 11th, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Randy Saxon at 7:00PM. The invocation was led by A. J. Garcia, Bowdon Baptist Church Youth Minister and was followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Mayor Randy Saxon Councilmember Jan Johnson Councilmember Bobby Elliott Councilmember Wes McEntyre Absent: Mayor Pro-tem Marty Johnson Staff present: City Manager Jeff Reese City Clerk Susan Pierce Police Chief Mark Brock Main Street Director Jan Gibbs City Attorney Kevin Drummond V. Approval of Meeting Agenda Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to add an item to the Business Session in order to ratify a decision made at the work session to approve the bid awards for the Public Safety Grant received last year; second by Councilmember Jan Johnson; motion carried unanimously. VI. Approval of Minutes The minutes from the October 14, 2024 meeting were approved with no objections. The agenda was approved (with an addition) with no objections. VII. Public Comments None. IX. Business Session (Added item) – Council ratified the decision made at the work session on November 11, 2024 to approve the bid awards for the Public Safety Grant. The bids were awarded to: SSI for laptops, software, etc. and to Motorola, who is under State Contract, for the radios. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to ratify the decision made at the work session on November 11 to approve the bid awards for the Public Safety Grant as presented above; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. A. Employee Health – Dependent Coverage City Clerk Susan Pierce asked if council would reverse a decision from last year to no longer pay for 50% of new hires’ dependent coverage premiums. With the increase in premiums, it is difficult to attract new hires, especially in the police department.  City of Bowdon Mayor & Council Meeting Minutes November 11, 2024 Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to approve returning to the City paying 50% of dependent coverage premiums for all employees including new hires as presented; second by Councilmember Jan Johnson; motion carried unanimously. B. Alcohol License Renewals – The following businesses have submitted their applications and payments for renewal of their alcohol licenses: Piggly Wiggly, Kwick Shop, D-Mart/701 Red Devil, Patel Food Mart/Veer, Family Dollar, and Little Mexico Restaurant. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to approve the renewal of the alcohol licenses listed above as presented; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. C. Purchase of new Vermeer Vacuum Excavator for the Water & Sewer Department – City Manager Jeff Reese reported that we have an opportunity to purchase the vacuum excavator at a price of $51,714.60, with a GEFA grant which will cover 50% of the cost. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to approve the purchase of the Vermeer Vacuum Excavator with GEFA grants covering 50% of the cost as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. D. Watts Park Development Plans – Mayor Saxon asked for a motion to move forward with Zac Bell Architects to create a plan to develop Watts Park as discussed in the work session last Tuesday night and detailed in the Watts Park agenda item provided by City Manager Reese. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to move forward with Zac Bell Architects to develop a plan for Watts Park as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. E. Mayor’s Reports – Mayor Saxon met with West Georgia Lighting and Design Services concerning the poles and lights at the Recreation Center ballfields. They identified 4 additional poles that need to be replaced, at $3000 each, along with the lights that need to be repaired. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to approve the replacement of the four additional light poles as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. The Gymnastics Center needs a lock box for the Fire Department to be able to access the building. We also need one on the Senior Citizens Building, at $1782 for both. Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to approve the purchase of lock boxes for the Gymnastics Building and the Senior Center as presented; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. The plaques for the Gymnastics Center have been designed; total cost for both, $5055. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to approve the purchase of the plaques for the Gymnastics Center at $5055 total cost; second by Councilmember Jan Johnson; motion carried unanimously. F. City Manager Reports – Mr. Reese highlighted his activities for the week including visiting city locations and meeting staff. He also informed council of the method of distributing the agenda items for monthly meetings. He is working on future distilled spirits guidelines, LMIG, police vehicles, and a Master Plan for the city. Scott is working on the financials as well. G. Department Reports – no questions. X. Financial Session A. Property Tax Unpaid Balance Summary B. September Financial Reports C. Cash Balances as of 11/11/2024  City of Bowdon Mayor & Council Meeting Minutes November 11, 2024 Motion by Councilmember Jan Johnson to enter into Executive Session to discuss real estate and personnel; second by Councilmember McEntyre; motion carried unanimously. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to exit Executive Session; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. No action was taken after Executive Session. Motion by Councilmember McEntyre to adjourn the meeting; second by Councilmember Elliott; motion carried unanimously. XII. Adjournment _________________________ ________________________ Mayor Randy Saxon City Clerk Susan Pierce