Wednesday, November 15th, 2023
6:30 P.M. Community Center
Attending: Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members Lamar Watkins, and Thomas Gary. City Clerk Irma Robles, Library Manager Rhonda O’Keeffe, and City Attorney Jody Campbell. For public assistance, refer to the attendance sheet. Not present: Council member Josh Burkhalter, Mike Barfield, Public Works Director Doyle Samples, and Mainstreet News (emailed draft minutes to Mrs. Angela Gary on 11/16/2023)
CALL TO ORDER – 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – All.
APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 15TH, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA: Councilman Thomas Gary motioned to approve the November 15th, 2023 Council Meeting Agenda. Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded; all were in favor. The agenda was approved.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 2ND, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: Council member Thomas Gary motioned to approve the October 2nd, 2023, Council Meeting Minutes; Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded. All were in favor. Minutes approved.
APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 11TH, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES: Council member Thomas Gary motioned to approve the October 11th, 2023, Special Called Meeting Minutes; Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded. All were in favor. Minutes approved.
OCTOBER 2023 FINANCIALS: Council member Lamar Watkins motioned to approve the October 2023 Financial report; Councilman Thomas Gary seconded; All were in favor. Financials were approved.
- 2024 General Fund Budget Proposal: Councilman Lamar Watkins motioned to approve the 2024 General Fund Budget by adjusting employee salaries to a 4.75% increase. Councilman Thomas Gary seconded this motion, and all were in favor. The budget was approved.
- 2024 ARPA Budget Proposal: Councilman Thomas Gary motioned to approve the 2024 ARPA Budget as submitted. Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded this motion, and all were in favor. The budget was approved. Councilman Thomas Gary asked if these funds could be transferred to the General Fund. City Attorney Jody Campbell replied that it does not go to the General Fund account since these funds exist as a fund balance restricted for specific uses.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: N/A
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK: N/A
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT: Rhonda O’Keeffe, Library Manager
Nicholson Library Halloween Program was a success. The library had approximately 250 attendees. Both children and parents enjoyed the magic show.
Candy Castle Daycare came by on Halloween to trick or treat. It was fun seeing the children dressed up in their costumes.
Library Manager Rhonda O. had Sherri Stephens, Library Assistant, visit the East Jackson Fall Festival. They managed to snag PuRL—Piedmont’s rolling library for the visit. One hundred ninety-six people visited them. The library Manager let the Event Manager know they would like to attend next year.
Nicholson Library’s monthly craft for November is a Turkey.
Rhonda O. managed to land seed packets at no charge. The library still has some packages available.
Nicholson Library Adult Book Club is growing. The club is now up to 8 members and will meet tomorrow.
Sherri Stephens is still reading to the daycare each week.
Both Sherri Stephens and Rhonda O. have re-certified to do passports. Rhonda O. is waiting for the Atlanta office to send the paperwork to re-certify our program. Nicholson’s staff is good until 2024.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the library/city on Dec 5.
- MAYOR’S REPORT:
-Mayor Jan reminded the city council that the next events committee meeting is Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
-She invited everyone to the Christmas Tree Lighting event on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, at 6:00 pm.
-Mayor Webster mentioned that the next Council Meeting is December 4th, 2023, at 6:30 pm.
-Councilman Thomas Gary asked if 2023 Daisy Festival Plaques for local businesses will be added to the December 4th, 2023 council meeting agenda, and Mayor Webster confirmed.
- ADJOURNMENT: Councilman Thomas Gary motioned to adjourn the November 15th, 2023 Council Meeting; Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded, and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.-
Announcements:
*Next Work Session & Budget Hearing– Thursday, November 16th, 2023 at 6:30 pm.
*Next Council Meeting – Monday, December 4th, 2023, at 6:30pm.
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Approved by City Clerk Irma Robles for website.-