Nicholson Community Center
129 Lakeview Dr, Nicholson GA 30565
December 5, 2016
7:00pm
Call to Order – Meeting was called to order by Mayor Jan Webster. In attendance was, Mayor Jan Webster, Council Members – Judy Kesler, Mike Barfield, Max Whitlock, Lamar Watkins, City Attorney-Jody Campbell, and City Clerk – Debra Fontaine. Mainstreet News – Charles Phelps
Pledge of Allegiance
Judy motioned to approve the November 7, 2016 Council Meeting Minutes; Max seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
Judy motioned to approve the November Financials; Max seconded, all were in favor. Motion approved.
NEW BUSINESS: No new business
OLD BUSINESS:
Handbook Amendment to Employee Evaluations – Jan reminded council members of their previous discussion on the difficulty of Mayor and Council evaluating city employees and the need to amend the current Employee Handbook to resolve the problem. Lamar motioned that the city adopts a handbook amendment establishing Mayor and Department Heads evaluate City Employees; Mike seconded. Motion approved.
Concrete Bids for Community Center – Judy motioned to approve the concrete job at the Nicholson Community Center parking lot to Walter Barnett Construction; Max seconded. Mike asked the City Attorney if he checked into the city Code of Ethics on whether or not it is legal for Max to vote on the project due to his relation to Mr. Barnett. Jody mentioned that he checked the Code of Ordinances, the Purchasing Policy, and the City Charter and the only conflict of interest he found was if there is a direct financial interest for one of the parties involved. Jody also stated that from a technical perspective he does not see where there is a problem, legally, with Max voting. Lamar motioned to approve David Wilkerson, Mike seconded. Due to a tie between the two motions made by council members, Jan Webster voted to break the tie, choosing Walter Barnett Construction. Motion was approved.
Dirt Dumping at Graveyard – Max Whitlock mentioned that he spoke to someone on two different occasions about Nicholson using the piece of property owned by GDOT, the contact person he communicated with another party at GDOT and is still waiting to hear back.
Max motioned that the city table the Dirt Dumping issue, Lamar seconded. Motion approved.
Lamar asked to back up and make a statement about the parking lot job. He asked if Walters bid amount would be for $8,925 and no more. Jan confirmed that the city is paying for the cement but the rest is accurate.
MAYORS REPORT:
Jan asked council members to decide what dates they have available for the city retreat. She mentioned a couple dates, Jan. 9 and Jan. 16th, 2017. Due to MLK Jr. Holiday on the 16th it was agreed that January 9th is best. A place will be decided on as soon as possible.
Jan explained to council members that the city needed a sign ordinance and that Jerry Weitz has submitted one for the city to look over and adopt if it meets Nicholson’s approval.
Jan told Council Members that Nicholson is planning an employee Christmas luncheon on December 22, 2016 and that invitations will go out soon.
Jan thanked the Nicholson Maintenance Department for all of the Christmas decorations and commended them on how great the city looks.
Jan also told council that she took a class in Vidalia this month and learned about changes in open meetings, among other things. She said the class was helpful as always.
LIBRARIAN’S REPORT –
Rhonda shared the following Library Report:
Your library staff won the Piedmont Training Trophy for 2015-2016. They will have the trophy till November 2017.
Rhonda thanked the Maintenance Staff for buying and placing new doors on the library.
She also mentioned they had an adult wreath making class with Roy Lawler from “The Enchanted Florist… 12 people signed up. The class was maxed out and everyone enjoyed it.
Check out for November 2016 was 2279
Computer Use – 733 (including wireless)
Patrons – 1590
The library had 12 Children’s programs with 188 attending.
One program at EJES with 483 attending.
One Adult Program, including quilting two times a week – 158 in attendance.
Rhonda also reported that she had volunteers for activities at both EJES and Benton Elementary.
Santa will be available to listen to wish lists and for photos Tuesday December 13 from 6-7:30pm (bring your own camera). Cookies and crafts will be available.
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK
Adjournment: Lamar motioned to adjourn; Max seconded. All were in favor. Motion approved.
_____________________________________________________________________________Approved by City Clerk