Tom Doonan

The meeting addressed several key items, including approval of the project list for the city of Winterville, approval and adoption of the resolution and the inter-governmental agreement with Athens-Clarke County, and the purchase of three more traffic signals for traffic calming. The council also discussed a proposal for design and bid procurement related to crosswalks at Robert Hardeman and Main Street, including a traffic study. Additionally, there was discussion regarding fire suppression systems for the auditorium, but a decision was tabled for further review. Finally, the council adopted the revised calendar for the year 2022 to reflect the new meeting times and discussed the HPC grant architectural survey.

The City Council workshop meeting included discussions on several topics. These included a review of council member training and potential pay increases, setting public hearings for overlay districts, commercial district guidelines, and planned development ordinances in April. The council also discussed the finance committee scheduling a meeting to address increased utility costs and various funding opportunities. Additional discussions covered amending the 2021 budget, reviewing new municipal code books, the Marigold Collective business plan, pavilion rental fees, regional commission support for the comprehensive plan update, complete streets projects, flood damage prevention ordinance, and the mask mandate extension.

The council meeting covered several key items. An update on the 2019 audit was provided, with a June 25th deadline set for completion. The resumption of in-person meetings in June was announced, along with the reopening of city properties for rentals. Updates were given on the bank building purchase, with a June 21st closing date targeted, and a public hearing scheduled for June 8th. The renewal of HPC board members' terms was approved, with one new member to be appointed. A recommendation was made to redraw the HPC map to include certain properties and exclude others. A sealed bid for a Winterville PD Tahoe was opened, and the council voted to end the mask mandate. Committee reports covered finances, public safety, and public works, including updates on the 2022 budget, police and fire department activities, and progress on park improvements.

The council meeting covered several key items. Discussion included the 2019 audit, parameters for selecting a new auditing firm, and an update on the progress of the audit. A motion was made and passed to authorize the mayor to sign the contract for the purchase of the bank building. The purchase of a fire truck was approved. The relocation of the Rotary Peace Garden was discussed, and a motion was passed to pause work until other projects are complete. The use of CARES Act funding for audio-visual equipment was discussed and approved. A business license for a bed and breakfast was approved, as was the addition of a new member to the firefly trail local action committee. Finally, finance committee reports were reviewed.

The council meeting included a public hearing to announce the intention to increase property taxes by five percent. A presentation was given on the 2019 audit, highlighting healthy cash balances and a positive financial outlook. The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Discussion included an upcoming bicycle festival, with a focus on whether or not to encourage participants to use the new firefly trail. The council also approved holding the millage rate steady at 2.9 and approved a project application for main street improvements and crosswalks. Finally, the council tabled discussion of Chandler Park improvements due to a late proposal.