QUITMAN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

QUITMAN CITY COUNCIL 

 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday November 1, 2022

6:30 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Zinda McDaniel at 6:31 PM, with Council members Smart, Morgan, Neloms and DeVane present. City Manager Maddox, City Attorney Karla Walker and City Clerk Lola Slydell was also in attendance. 

II. INVOCATION

III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Led By: Mayor Zinda McDaniel

IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Upon motion by Mattie Neloms and second by Lula Smart to adopt the agenda. Voting Yes (Neloms, DeVane, Morgan, Smart).

V. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Upon motion by Mattie Neloms and second by Mark DeVane to approve business license request from Wild Cards Customized Printing Gifts and Apparel. Voting Yes (Neloms, DeVane, Morgan, Smart).

VI. APPROVAL OF BUSINESS LICNESES

Upon Motion by Mattie Neloms second by Donald Morgan to adopt the Resolution for the City of Quitman’s Comprehensive Plan 2022-2027. Voting Yes. (Smart, Morgan, DeVane, Neloms).

VII. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Mayor Zinda McDaniel awarded employee of the month to Issac Reynolds. She expressed her gratitude towards his great efforts and hard work he has displayed. 

VIII. MEMBERS OF PLANNING COMMISSION

City Clerk Lola Slydell updated council on current planning commission members and on some of their expected action items to be covered by them over the next few months. The current planning commission members are: Mr. Jamon Williams, Mr. Charlie Bacsko, Mr. David Ragsdale and City Attorney Karla Walker. No Action Taken

IX. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED REVISION TO PACKAGE STORE BUSINESS HOURS

City Attorney Karla Walker addressed the Council concerning some recent issues surrounding business hours of operation for Package Store Sales. She advised council that the language has been updated in the current ordinance to help clarify for the readers. The proposed change in Section 4-179 Business Hours and Days now reads: 

Retail dealers in spirituous liquors shall not engage in the sale of such liquors except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Retail dealers in spirituous liquors shall not engage in Sunday sales of any kind including beer and wine. Any violation of this section may be subject to citation and a fine of up to $1000. Two or more violations of this section may result in immediate termination of the license to engage in retail package sales in the City of Quitman.

X. DISCUSSION OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY -FIRE

Fire Chief Floyd Demps addressed council concerning Certificate of Occupancy for new constructions. He stated in the past CO’s were distributed by the Fire Marshall, but going forward it would be at the benefit of the City to consider issuing its own CO’s. In order for this to happen the Council would need to establish an ordinance for this approve and adopt it. City Attorney Karla Walker was advised to research and update council on findings. No Action Taken

XI. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

City Manager Raphel D. Maddox updated council on the new turnout gear that has finally come in for the city’s fire department and how excited everyone was to finally receive it. He also updated council on the next steps in the LOST (local option sales tax) negotiations with the county. City Audit workings is till underway as well as Request for Qualifications has been posted to city and other government websites for review. City Manager Raphel D. Maddox also reminded council the he would be attending the MEAG Mayor’s conference this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

XII. OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC

Gary Christian asked council to update him on the progress of the limb and leaves that are still remaining to be picked up. City Manager Raphel D. Maddox advised him that the remaining piles will be taken care of by a different source, but will be taken care of soon. He encouraged him to hold tight while the city makes the transition.

Laurie Cooper addressed council concerning the alleyways near her home and the concern around some recent mobile homes that are now being placed. City Attorney Karla Walker updated her on the progress and advised some final decisions will be made soon. Mayor Zinda McDaniel also reminded that the current moratorium is still in effect till February of 2023.

David Ragsdale stood and expressed his excitement and how pleased he was with the Creepin’ on Court Halloween turnout this year. He admonished how everything went so smoothly and how excited he was for next years event. Councilman Donald Morgan advised the council to consider blocking off additional roads next year to accommodate for a larger crowd next year in order to help keep everyone safe.

Fire Chief Floyd Demps addressed throwing candy outside of moving vehicles. This was something that was done during the Homecoming Parade. He advised that this activity needs to be stopped as it is a safety hazard and a liability. City Clerk Lola Slydell and Chief of Police Roy Hart will follow-up on this.

XIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION Pursuant to (OCGA 50-14-(6)).

   Time in 6:55 P.M motion by Mattie Neloms second by Lula Smart was approved.

   Voting Yes- (Neloms, Smart, DeVane, Morgan).

Time out 7:22 P.M. motion by Lula Smart second by Donald Morgan was approved. 

Voting Yes- (Neloms, Smart, DeVane, Morgan).

To discuss/ deliberate upon the appointment, employment, compensation, hiring, disciplinary action or dismissal, or periodic evaluation or rating of a public officer or employee; (OCGA50-14-(6)).

XIV. ADJOURN

Motion by Mattie Neloms and second by Lula Smart to adjourn at 7:49 P.M. was approved.

Voting Yes- (Neloms, DeVane, Smart, Christian).