Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes
MARCH 7, 2016
7:00 P.M. Community Center
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order by Mayor Jan Webster. In attendance were, Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members Mike Barfield, Lamar Watkins, Judy Kesler, Max Whitlock, City Clerk Debra Fontaine and City Attorney Jody Campbell. Cameron Whitlock was also present from Mainstreet News.
Pledge of Allegiance
A motion was made by Judy to approve the March 7, 2016 Agenda; Mike seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
A motion was made by Judy to approve February 1, 2016 Council Meeting Minutes; Lamar Watkins seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
A motion was made by Mike Barfield to approve the February financials; Lamar seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Budget – 2nd Reading & Adoption– This was the second and final reading of the 2016 Budget; Mike motioned to adopt the 2016 Budget as presented; Judy seconded, all were in favor. The 2016 Budget was adopted.
Mayor Jan Webster made a formal acknowledgement that Rhonda O’Keefe, Library Manager is a permanent full time employee for the Harold S. Swindle Public Library. She also confirmed that after 90 days Rhonda was automatically considered a permanent employee. Lamar motioned to approve Rhonda as a permanent employee; Mike seconded. Motion was approved.
Basketball Goal – Max questioned why there was only one bid for the basketball goal and made a motion to table until more bids could be taken. There was not a second to the motion. Jan stated that Jackson County, who assisted in acquiring the bid, is able to get the goal at their cost. After more discussion Mike motioned to accept the quote for Basketball Goal, Lamar seconded, 3 were in favor; Motion was approved.
SPLOST 5 Citizen Review Committee – Nicholson Representative – Lamar suggested Dwayne Lacey as a person of interest to be on the SPLOST 5 Citizen Review Committee. After discussion it was decided that Debbie could call Mr. Lacey to inform him of the details and get a formal decision from him. A decision was tabled until next meeting.
Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement – Jan mentioned to council that Jackson County EMA brought the “Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement” to all municipalities to be signed by the Chief Elected Official. She told them her understanding was that the agreement is in place in the event of a natural disaster, where cities, and/or county require FEMA’s financial aid. Jody asked to look over the documents. Debbie agreed to get the documents to him this week for approval.
Work Session – Jan mentioned to council members that the Jackson County Roundtable meeting is on the same night at the city Work Session. After discussion it was agreed to move the Work Session to March 31st. Lamar motioned to move the Work Session to March 31st, Mike seconded. Motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Adopting State Codes, Bldg. Permit Policies, fee schedules and Bldg. Inspector – Jan spoke to council members about using Hal Chitwood with Bureau of Veritas for the cities’ building inspections. She also mentioned that John Ring with Nicholson Planning & Development brought the counties fee structure for Nicholson to preview and utilize in creating Nicholson’s fee structure. After discussion, Mike motioned to adopt the building fee schedule and State Building Codes; Lamar seconded. Motion was approved.
Lamar motioned to adopt the International Building codes, Judy seconded, and 3 were in favor. Motion approved.
Bureau of Veritas – Mike motioned to move forward in using Bureau of Veritas for the city inspections, Lamar seconded. Three were in favor. Motion approved.
Daisy Festival – Mike updated council on the status of the Daisy Festival, stating that he did a press release, he also ordered signs and banners. Mike mentioned that there will be a Cake Walk, Auction, Live Entertainment, Vendors, Beauty Pageant and Parade.
Judy motioned that the meeting be adjourned to enter into Executive Session, Lamar seconded. Motion was approved.
Closed Session: No action taken during Executive Session.
Max motioned to come out of closed session; Lamar seconded. Motion approved