Minutes August 13, 2024
The Mayor and City Council held the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday August 13, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Winterville City Hall.
Mayor Ferrelle called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Also present were Melissa Metzger, Jonathan Mosley, Tina Mills, Bruce Johnson, Municipal Clerk Wendy Bond and City Attorney David Ellison.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilperson Metzger moved to approve the minutes of July 9, 2024. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Mosley and passed unanimously.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business:
The First Item of New Business: Business Proposal for Bank Building. Isabella Marler, accompanied by her dog, Axle, and supported by her parents, Tania and Chuck Marler (a fireman with the Winterville Volunteer Fire Department) presented a business proposal to the Mayor and Council for the utilization of the historic Pittard Bank Building. The proposal outlined plans to transform the building into a local coffee shop and bakery. This new business would be staffed primarily by individuals with special needs, offering them valuable work experience and a supportive environment.
The Marlers, who reside in the city, emphasized the importance of preserving the historic significance of the Pittard Bank Building while fostering inclusivity within the community.
The council discussed the proposal and agreed that more details, including a formal business plan, would need to be reviewed at a later time. No action was taken at this meeting.
The Second Item of New Business: SPLOST 2020 Amendment. Councilperson Johnson moved to authorize Mayor Ferrelle to sign the amendment as presented by Athens-Clarke County. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Metzger and approved unanimously.
The Third Item of New Business: Flock Cameras. Councilperson Johnson moved to deny the purchase of the flock cameras. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Mills and unanimously denied.
The Fourth Item of New Business. Winterville Police Body Cameras. Councilperson Mosley moved to purchase 6 body cameras from Axon $24,363.20 over a five-year period ($4,872.64 each year by SPLOST 2020 Funds). The motion was seconded by Councilperson Metzger and approved unanimously.
The Fifth Items of New Business: Computer Purchase. Councilperson Metzger moved to purchase a new computer for the Cultural Center/Art Gallery from Athens Micro Computer in the amount of $1,516.00 of general funds. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Johnson and approved by three (3) votes. Councilperson Mills abstained.
The Sixth Item of New Business: More Creative Agency Quote for Marketing. Councilperson Johnson moved to approve up to $1,700 in general funds to the More Creative Agency
(Cole Shackleford) for marketing for the Cultural Center campus. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Mosley and approved by three (3) votes. Councilperson Mills abstained.
The Seventh Item of New Business: Auditorium Renovations. Councilperson Mosley moved to approve up to $7,000.00 of ARPA funds for reglazing and painting the windows antique black, inside and out. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Johnson and approved by three (3) votes. Councilperson Mills abstained.
The Eighth Item of New Business: TSPLOST 2026 Proposal. Councilperson Johnson moved to approve $13,400 TSPLOST funds and enter into a contract with W&A Engineering. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Metzger and approved unanimously. W&A will prepare the TSPLOST 2026 project applications, assign preliminary cost estimates project presentations, conceptual designs where applicable, and administer the application process for the City’s selected project. A copy of the contract is attached.
The Ninth Item of New Business: Councilperson Mosley moved to appoint Savannah Osborn as a new member to the DDA board. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Metzger and unanimously approved.
Committee Reports:
Public Finance (Johnson & Mosley) Clerk Bond has provided financial statements through July 31, 2024. The statements are available for review by the public upon request. The budget committee continues to work on the 2025 budget.
Public Safety (Metzger & Mosley) Councilperson Metzger gave a verbal report. Fire Department – Chief Michael Gabriel submitted a call report.
Police Department – Jon Spear has recently been hired as a new patrol officer.
Public Works (Johnson & Mills) – Steve Rice and Tom Doonan have been working on plans for renovations to City Hall and the Public Works building.
Communications Committee (Metzger & Mills) – Councilperson Metzger gave a report.
Winterville Cultural Center –Tina Mills gave a verbal report.
Dr. Museum Report – Jonathan Scott gave a verbal report.
Marigold Market – Sarah Hovater submitted a written report.
Library Report – Deirdre Murray gave her last report as she will be resigning from the library at the end of August.
Clerk’s Report – No report.
City Attorney’s Report – No report.
Mayor’s Report – Mayor Ferrelle gave a verbal report. Charter Day in the auditorium went well!
Firefly Local Action Committee – No report.
Public Comment – No public comments were made.
Councilperson Metzger moved to go into Executive Session for a personnel matter. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Johnson. Council went into executive session at 6:36 pm.
Councilperson Metzger moved to close the executive session and return to the regular meeting at 6:51 pm. The motion was seconded by Councilperson Mosley.
Councilperson Mosley moved to adjourn the meeting 6:51 pm. The motion was seconded by councilperson Metzger and closed unanimously.
Wendy L. Bond, Municipal Clerk – August 13, 2024
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