Regular Monthly Meeting

Town of Thunderbolt Council Meeting June 11, 2025 Mayor Williams opened the public comment at 6:00PM. Anna Marie Thomas approached the Mayor and Council to express her concerns regarding the proposed Ordinance, 2025-03 Outdoor Event, Sec 6-214. She feels she does not need to hire a police officer rather have her own security for events where the public streets are closed. Rebecca Gawley approached the Mayor and Council. Ms. Gawley stated she is one of the owners of Finches and the idea of having police officers if they are serving alcohol on their property is new. For them Ms. Gawley also feels all businesses need to be treated fairly and consistently. Jan Dickerson approached the Mayor and Council to express her concerns with trash being dumped at the corner of Falligant and College. This includes seafood and old tires. Mr. Walker stated he will address with DPW. Sean Compton approached Mayor and Council regarding the purchase of the new DPW truck. He asked if they had checked with other local dealerships. Mr. Walker responded the dealership they are working with has the truck on the lot and will not have to be ordered. Dawn Williams approached Mayor and Council. Ms. Williams would like an update on the stormwater drainage system near her residence to include paving. Mr. Walker responded major work will need to be done to the road and they are considering options. Mayor Williams closed the public comment at 6:30PM. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:30PM, June 11, 2025. Those in attendance were Council Members David Crenshaw, Lawrence Ward, Dr. Edward Drohan, James Lavin and Brooks Barbaree. Also in attendance were Matthew Walker, Town Administrator and Jan LeViner, Town Clerk. Councilmember Skipper-Greer was excused. Mayor Williams delivered the invocation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of Meeting Agenda. Council Member Ward made a motion to amend the agenda as presented with the following changes:  Add recognition of Mr. Leroy Brown to the Memorial Plaque  Add recognition for US Army birthday and anniversary  Striking #13 on the agenda, Proposed Ordinance 2025-03, Outdoor Events Council Member Crenshaw seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting. Council Member Ward made a motion to approve the minutes from May 14, 2025, Council Member Crenshaw seconded. Vote was unanimous 5-0 to approve. Mayor Williams recognized the following business and encouraged everyone to shop local:  Lammons Construction Company  Mason Inc  Continental Self Storage  United Community Bank Elizabeth Charles from ABC Waste approached to give an update on recycling to include compost, glass and cardboard. She stated there is continued growth especially with glass recycling since recycling started in 2022, they had just shy of 2,000 pounds diverted and now they are almost at 12,000 pounds diverted. Dr. Drohan thanked Ms. Charles as he appreciates all her hard work. Anna Marie Thomas approached Mayor and Council to give an update on the Thunderbolt Museum. She reminded everyone they now have hats, visors and tee shirts for sale. Ms. Thomas then invited anyone that is interested in becoming a Board member to please let her know. They meet the second Tuesday of every month at 5:00PM. She also invited everyone to the upcoming Oyster Roast in September or October. Shannon Britt approached the Mayor and Council to give a financial report. Ms. Britt stated progress has been made with the audit and expect a clean audit. She continued, the bank transition is almost complete, and finances are in line. Dr. Drohan asked for the financials for the Hotel/Motel Tax and STR’s. Ms. LeViner stated she will forward. Consideration of Consent Agenda:  New IT Vendor for Approval. Staff recommends Georgia Technologies as the town’s new IT Vendor. $1,725 monthly fee  Thermoplastic Striping on Whatley Avenue. Staff recommends Superior Excavation, $32,596.00 as low bidder  New DPW Vehicle for Approval. This is a replacement vehicle for the current Doge pickup which is unsafe to drive. Staff recommend Phill Brannen Ford of Perry. Funding Soure:350 – Capital Funds. Council Member Ward made a motion to approve with the condition Staff reach out to OC Welch to see if they can match or beat the price from Brannen Ford to include delivery time. Council Member Crenshaw seconded. Vote was unanimous, 5-0. Department Head Reports  Chief Clayton reported Captain Runyon has taken over the duties of Terminal Agency Coordinator and he signed an agreement where the Court can continue to run criminal history.  Interim Odis Boyles stated they ran 31 EMS calls last month and six (6) fire calls. Additional information is outlined in his report as included in the packet. He briefly outlined upcoming training with the Coast Guard and Red Cross.  Oscar Crosby reminded everyone to proceed with caution with “fly by night tree companies”. These companies are not permitted and, in most cases, uninsured. He then gave an update on Honey Park and Nellie Johnson Park. He is hoping to open Nellie Johnson Park by the end of June to work toward completing the renovation as quickly as possible with Honey Park. Matthew Walker, Town Administrator gave an update on the equipment for Nellie Johnson Park as it should be ready and expected to be fully upgraded by the end of June. The bathrooms will not be renovated now but will come later. He also stated there will be a marsh cleanup along River Drive and asked for volunteers that have a canoe or kayak to assist. Bahia Blue will let volunteers use their area to launch. Jan LeViner, Town Clerk, gave an update on the Archive Room and Repository. She also gave a report on recent training with the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. Council Member Crenshaw made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, litigation, and real estate. Council Member Ward seconded. Motion to approve was unanimous, 5-0. Council Member Ward made a motion to return to regular session. Council Member Drohan seconded. The motion to approve was unanimous, 5-0. Council Member Ward made a motion to appoint Interim Chief Boyles to permanent Chief of the Thunderbolt Fire Department. Council Member Crenshaw seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0. Chief Boyles accepted the appointment. Council Member Barbaree made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Ward seconded. Vote was unanimous to approve, 5-0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:00PM. ______________________ Dana Williams, Mayor Town of Thunderbolt _______________________ Jan LeViner, MMC Town Clerk