City Council

CITY OF EUHARLEE REVISED CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2021 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Osborne Park - Delegation Greg Free  CITY OF EUHARLEE CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Mayor Steve Worthington called the meeting to order. A prayer was led by David Duncan and followed with the Pledge of Allegiance. The following were present Mayor Steve Worthington, Council Members Tim Abbott, David Duncan, Greg Free, Joe Turner and City Manager James Stephens. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Osborne Park – Delegation Mayor Steve Worthington stated they could vote on whom to delegate or he could appoint someone. He recommended sending James Stephens, City Manager and Council Member Greg Free as the committee to speak with the school system. There is nothing written in stone, and they have made no changes to the ballfield park, but they can check out the options. Council Member Greg Free said he appreciated the Mayor allowing them to get together and talk about it which was his intent. Go to them and find out what their future looks like, what they may or may not want to do with the ballfields and they may give them options to think about for the future too. He was sure they have built the relationships over the years. Some of the hands have changed over there and he thinks it will be a good time to have a conversation. Mr. Stephens asked if they were going to address Principal Blankenship or try to reach out to the Superintendent. Mayor Worthington said he would go to Blankenship first and Satterfield the Athletic Director and thinks he may be the Assistant Principal as well. Mr. Stephens said Satterfield was from Euharlee and a friend to the city. Council Member Tim Abbott said he would want them to understand the city issue they are facing with the amount of money they have to put into Osborne and the decisions they have to make. He would count that as thought in the decision of discovery. Before any decisions are made it is courteous to talk about the decisions the city will has to make. Mr. Stephens said for the last 4 years at annual city Christmas event and lighting the Christmas, the school band and the chorus have performed. It is a great event. Currently, there is a display of art work at the Museum from the kids at the school. They have a good relationship and want to continue the relationship. Council Member Joe Turner said the council offered Osborne Park to the school many years ago. To him, Joe Cowan Park is a sports park with no playground equipment and Osborne Park is a family park. He will not vote to change the promise made to the school kids' years ago and not move them off the ball fields or the tennis courts. He would rather they spend money and re-surface the tennis courts and get it over with. He will not go back on his word with the school. The council continued the discussion about Osborne Park and the needed repairs with fencing, ball fields, playground equipment, tennis courts and the cost to repair. They came to a consensus on what should be communicated to the school system and the need to strategically plan for Osborne Park, Joe Cowan Park and the outdoor destinations for the city of Euharlee. Council Member Joe Turner motioned and delegated City Manager James Stephens and Council Member Greg Free as the committee to speak with the school system on behalf of Mayor and Council. Council Member Tim Abbott seconded the motion. The vote was carried with Mayor Worthington, Council Members, Abbott, Duncan, Free, and Turner all voting in favor. With no further discussion the meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.