Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes
May 2, 2016
7:00 P.M. Community Center
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order by Mayor Jan Webster. In attendance was, Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members – Lamar Watkins, Mike Barfield, Max Whitlock, City Clerk Debra Fontaine, and City Attorney Jody Campbell.
Pledge of Allegiance
Max motioned to approve April 4, 2016 Council Meeting Minutes; Mike seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
Lamar motioned to approve the April Financials; Max seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Part-timer for City Hall – Jan told council members that Debbie asked to begin searching for part time help. Debbie mentioned that the garbage collections alone are a constant stream and if she could have a part timer to cover, she would have more time to work on other things in the office that need to be done. Lamar motioned that Debbie begin immediately to review the budget to see if part time help would be doable; Max seconded. All were in favor. Motion approved.
Adopt an Amended Zoning Map – Jan explained that Joel Logan/Jackson County GIS Manager mentioned at the Comp Plan Meeting that the city has not amended its zoning map since 2012 and it would be beneficial to do so. The process to amend the map would be fairly simple at no cost, or minimal cost. The City only needs tonight to vote to approve the process. Mike motioned for the city to move forward with adopting an amended zoning map; Lamar seconded. Motion approved.
Mike brought up annexing the existing islands to clean up the city zoning map also. Jan asked Debbie to get that on the next Work Session Agenda.
Vote to sell excess equipment – Jan reminded council members of the items at the shop that need to be put in the paper for bids to be taken. There were 4 items over $500; a golf cart, a chipper, a trailer and old police car. She asked that council motion to give Debbie authority to put the items up for bid in the paper. Max motioned to give Debbie authority to get the bid items in the paper; Lamar seconded. All were in favor. Motion approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Daisy Festival Update – Jan reminded all that Friday and Saturday is the Daisy Festival and the weather is supposed to be beautiful. She thanked Mike for the hard work and great job he and Dwayne Smith have been doing and asked him to give an update. Mike briefed everyone on how everything seems to be coming together and shared some of the obstacles that he and Dwayne have worked through, including vendor spacing. Jan allowed Lamar to give an update on Parade.
Librarian Report – Number of books checked out- 1547, Number of Patrons-1825, Computer Usage-1678, 15 Children’s Programs and 303 have attended, 12 Adult Programs 149 attended. There were two Special Programs in April: A book Signing, and a Program on Monarch Butterflies, the library staff were able to participate in a Statewide Virtual Library Staff Development Day; Marti & Claire had a Webinar on Customer Service; Karen had a webinar on Patron Privacy. Jan then asked Rhonda to share about the Wednesday “free lunches” being served at the Library. Rhonda shared in detail about the Library Free Lunch Program through University of North Georgia called “Bright Start” – every Wednesday from 12:30 – 1:30. The Library Staff will receive training this week, there is no charge to the Library and UNGA brings all the food and drinks and possibly a movie while kids are there; this will be during the months of June and July. There will be more information available at the next meeting. On another note, the library had a Volunteer Appreciation Day dinner to show appreciation for those who volunteer and help the library. This was also well attended.
Citizen Requesting to Speak – David Wilbanks asked to speak: He is a resident of Cedar Drive and asked the grass cutters why they are not cutting grass and picking up trash on the side of Cedar Drive. Jan took information and told him she would look into this and give him an answer when she finds out.
Derrick Brock, the gentleman that does the Fireworks display in Nicholson requested to speak. He wanted to know the date that the Fireworks would take place to get the process started setting up the Nicholson 4th of July Fireworks. He said this year they are going with Pyrotecnico. Derrick said he, his sons, and his cousin have always done the Fireworks in Nicholson and would like to keep it going. Jan agreed to speak with Pyrotecnico tomorrow and thanked Derrick for the work they do.
Executive Session: Max made a motion to go into Executive Session; Mike seconded. Council Members went into Executive Session.
Max motioned to come out of Executive Session, Mike seconded; Jody Campbell explained that the City of Nicholson adjourned into executive session to discuss matters of pending or continuing litigation. One vote was taken regarding matters protected by Attorney Client privilege and is not subject to disclosure. Other than that, no other votes were taken. Max motioned to adjourn, Lamar seconded. Motioned approved.