Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes
Monday – February 4, 2019
6:30 P.M. Community Center
Call to Order – 6:30 p.m.
Attending: Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members –Mike Barfield, Dusty Durst, Thomas Gary, City Clerk – Debra Fontaine, Mainstreet News – Charles Phelps, City Attorney – Jody Campbell, Doyle Samples & David Abounader (Not present – Lamar Watkins)
Pledge of Allegiance – All
Minutes: Dusty motioned to approve the January 2019 Council Meeting Minutes; Thomas seconded. All were in favor. Motion approved.
Financials: Thomas motioned to approve the January 2019 Financials; Dusty seconded. All were in favor. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS: (No new business)
OLD BUSINESS:
Ballfield Rental Agreement – Mike motioned to approve and adopt the Ballfield Rental Agreement for a term of two (2) years. Dusty seconded. All were in favor. Motion Approved.
Paving Contract – Mike motioned to approve the paving contract with Garrett Paving without the performance bond; motion failed for lack of a second. Thomas motioned to accept the contract with the performance bond (2% of the total contracted amount if under 500,000, total cost of roads 304,110, with performance bond 310,190); Dusty seconded. Without all council approval the contract would not have passed, therefore Mike reconsidered and voted in favor of the contract. Motion was approved. Garrett Paving to pave the portions of the following roads as submitted by Nicholson Public Works Dept. – Summit Court, Summer Lane, Memorial Drive and Cabin Creek Road. Additions to the contract will be added as a “change order” to the agreed upon contract.
Pyrotecnico – Firework Contract for 2019 – Dusty motioned that the city holds their annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday July 5th with a rain date scheduled as July 6th; Thomas seconded. Motion approved.
Mike motioned that the city approve contract from Pyrotecnico for Fireworks at the discounted early payment offer price of $7,250 (as opposed to $7,600); Dusty seconded. Motion approved.
Purchase of Lawn Mowers – Dusty motioned that the city purchases the two commercial mowers from Swinehearts Power Equipment – “Scagg” Lawn Mowers, (STTII – 61V-35BV Tiger) purchase price $10,478 each) for the city maintenance department; Thomas seconded. Motion was approved.
MAYORS REPORT:
• Jan told Council Members that the Elected Officials for the City are invited to the new Jackson County Agricultural Facility on the 15th at 2:30pm on County Farm Road in Jefferson; this will include lunch.
• Jan mentioned that she had a great training in Atlanta during the Mayors Day Convention this year. She learned a lot from other cities in attendance. Jan received the Certificate of Distinction Award for taking ___ hours of courses through the Carl Vinson Institute of Govt. Learning. She added that Mike and Dusty also attended and hoped they had a good experience as she did.
• Jan mentioned that Max Whitlock stopped by city hall and was selling tickets for a drawing for a hog. He was also selling Barbecue tickets for the same event which is a fund raiser for Travis Palmer who is battling Parkinson’s. The Barbecue and drawing will take place on March 2nd, 2019 at New Hope Baptist.
• Jan told council members that Doyle and David have done a beautiful job at Benton Center trying to get it ready for the Miss Daisy Pageant and to be rented. She told council to come see what all they have done while it is not grass cutting season. Jan shared some of the ways that pennies have been pinched to get some of the work done.
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT:
• 22 Passports in January 2019
• Two Passports are currently completed for February with seven more scheduled through 2/9.
• Bunny yoga was a huge success. Both parents and children were excited about the event.
• This month we have 3 activities scheduled since the schools will be closed one week in February.
• February 12 – Valentine’s Day celebration with Hedgehogs in Love, 2 crafts and a game.
• Celebrate Dr. Seuss on Thursday February 28th with a story time, craft and a game.
• We will also be doing a passive activity February 28 – March 7. Children can come in and make their own wocket for a pocket.
• Bandit the therapy dog will be at the library on February 19th from 5:00 – 6:00 PM.
• Cecelia and Rhonda spoke to students at EJHS on January 24th about the programs available online to assist them.
• Rhonda is scheduled to visit the middle school on February 28th (Literacy night).
• The library has an adult program on March 5th – Mason Jar Terrariums. The cost will be $5 to cover materials.
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK
o Amador – Taqueria Restaurant – Amador Gutierrez came to speak to city council members about his newly opened Mexican Restaurant in Nicholson. Mr. Gutierrez shared his desire to be able to offer beer or wine to his customers stating that it is the model for Mexican Restaurants. He told council that he is a family man and does not desire to have a restaurant that is not family oriented. To sell beer and wine would help with the restaurant sales and also give the city additional tax revenue. Jan told him this subject is one that would need to be considered carefully. Mr. Gutierrez said he understood and will wait to hear what Nicholson council decides.
Adjournment: Mike motioned to adjourn; Dusty seconded. Meeting Adjourned at 6:58pm.
Approved by City Clerk for City Website