City Council - Regular Meeting

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Are we missing some someone? Is Miss Simmons not going to be in be present tonight? Haven't heard from her. She has the flu. She was able to be with us. Okay. Stay away. Who did she call? She texted me. Mayor Copelan. Who's that? Dr. Wales. Yes. Yes, ma'am. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Wales. She need to make sure she contacts the mayor. Um, Miss make sure she knows that she needs to contact the mayor, mayor pro him or you in her absence. Okay. Yes, ma'am.

Let me get to my screen because it doesn't move forward but I want to go from memory right now. So, good evening uh good afternoon everyone. Uh, I'm going to call January 27th, 2025 council meeting to order and I'm going to ask the clerk to please call the role. Looks like I'm going to leave it here because I'm winging it right now. Dr. Lee here. Miss Demis, Miss M here, Miss Pendergast here. Dr. Wills here. And she host here. So we do have We have a quorum.

Okay, we do have a present. So if you will um let's um stand for the prayer and loving and most gracious father I want to say thank you for allowing me to see another year and a new day. Thank you for each alderman counselor city staff and constituent represented here tonight. As we listen to the residents let us attentively to their concerns and then Lord allow us as a council to reason being on one accord. Heavenly Father, we thank you for your seasons, but most of all, we thank you for your sparing us through this winter storm. And then we thank you through them all that you continue to bless us, our community, our first responders, and every emergency management team to that led us through the storm. This is your server's prayer in Jesus name. Amen.

Amen. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. get on track because as I said I'm going by memory and ring winging it just by the agenda. Um do we have any public comments tonight? Yes we do. Yes ma'am.

Okay. If so please read the public comments section that shares with everyone um the decorum for the floor or if you don't have it mayor proim do you have a copy? Yes, I do. Would you read the form?

Citizens wishing to speak during a city council work session must complete all areas of this form, which you all have done. If you do not sign up to speak prior to the start of this meeting, we will you will not have an opportunity to speak. Citizens are not allowed to speak openly during the meeting unless first recognized by the presiding officer, which is typically the mayor. When the pro presiding officer calls their name, citizens may speak for no more than three minutes. Citizens who attend the meeting as part of a group may not give up their time to another member of the group. The presiding officer may stop the person from speaking if the remarks or gestures are profane, abusive, inflammatory, or otherwise offensive. Persons who refuse to stop speaking at the direction of the presiding officer may be escorted from the meeting by law enforcement officer at the request of the presiding officer. A maximum of five citizens will be allowed to speak during any single meeting. Speaking opportunities are first come, first serve basis. Okay. The first person that we have is Beverly L. Hill. Miss Hill is no stranger to us.

Good afternoon. I mean, good evening. You can move your camera around. Okay. All right.

Thank you, sir. Okay. I'm not a stranger, but for the ones that don't know me, my name is Beverly Landy Hill and I am the founder of Lineage Preservation uh Inc. And it's a foundation that um I started three years ago to uh preserve uh black history in our counties of Bowwin and Hancock and throughout the state of Georgia. Well, for three years I've been posting the banners, historical banners during um Black History Month in February, which I will hope to do again this year. But I have something bigger that has came about because of me posting my my organization putting the banners up in H in Hancock and Bowwin. I was contacted by a state representative that saw the banners as they drove through Bowwin and Hancock and he had gotten a law passed because back in 1868 33 black men were elected as representatives throughout the state of Georgia. two were from Bowwin County. George Wallace was the first black senator from George from Bowwin County. Um Peter O'Neal was the first black representative in 1868. And George Wallace represented Bowwin Hancock in Washington County. In Hancock County, it was um William uh Henry uh oh, I just forgot his name. But uh it was um Mr. Eli Barnes and Mr. um I think his name was uh Thomas, but they he changed his name, but I have to get back with you on that one. But what has happened is that um after they saw the banners, uh Mr. Gilead, Representative Gil Gilead from Savannah had gotten a law passed recently to honor to reonor and dedicate a monument that goes into

the capital to honor these men. And now they have a monument outside the capital that was placed in uh 1977, but they're going to put a new monument and they had SCAD to do it. So I'm a part of the project. Well, when they saw the banners, they called me back and they said, "No, we got to take it a little further." So as of February 25th, these 33 men, they asked me to produce banners on these 33 men. So I get to uh place two banners of the men from Millisville and two banners of the men from uh Hancock and then also the men from around state. Now these men were born in 1813. Didn't have photos or only had drawings. So that's what my company does. I produce pictures of these men.

Wow. So we're going to have them posted and if you want to pass around, look at him. But this is George Wallace and he was the first he was the first senator, black senator in 1868. Now they were locked out the capital and did not allow to um practice. They had to go before con Congress and fought for their position in 1870. They won. So February 25th, state capital, those bill will be recognized also count. Thank you, Miss Thank you. Pass it around. Y'all want to take a look at it? And we taking donations for banners.

Put your hand back up. I got you put,

Madame Mayor. The next person that's on the list is Adam Shields. And I think I'm I'm hoping I'm pronouncing that right. Um, Pebble Hill Drive. Pebble Hollow Drive. Pebble Hollow. You're right. So small, Mr. That's okay.

Um, hi. So, I'm Adam Shields. I serve on the board for the homeowners association for the community I live in, which is Greystone Arbor off of Log Cabin Drive. I obviously drew the short straw, so I was the one that came to speak to you guys this evening. So, what I wanted to speak to you about real briefly is um we are not located within the city limits, but we are a part of the city water infrastructure. Um the infrastructure within the neighborhood is in poor shape. This year, um we are finally uh on the plans with the county to have our roads resurfaced. Mhm.

With our roads being resurfaced, now would really be a great time for the city to prioritize fixing some of the water issues that are continually being bandated across the entire neighborhood. Uh on my way just from the back of the neighborhood driving out, just for example, um I spotted 14 places where there's a leak between the main line that runs along the road up to people's meter. Um, I think that as we continue to put a band-aid on one, we're just causing whether it be pressure, equalization, or otherwise, other issues to spout down the line. Um, I think this would be a great opportunity that we had a chance to measure twice, cut once when it comes to repaving these roads, that the the county graciously put us on the list after begging for years to do. Um, that we could actually see the infrastructure be repaired in kind of a timely manner and maybe in conjunction with each other. So, um, I was really here to kind of bring attention to that and that was kind of my whole spiel. Did I miss anything from the people that asked me to come in the back?

Okay. Oh, well, yeah. I mean, if we're going to talk about benefit, I mean, I've called on our culde-sac. Thanks, Eric, who did not sign to be up here. But, um, in our culde-sac alone, we've called the city 16 times in the last probably four to five months, just to give you an idea of how much of an ongoing issue this is, just even within a four home stretch in terms of uh, water issues. Questions, comments, queries? Um, can I talk with you after the meeting? Absolutely. Thank you. Thank you.

Miss Shinho, is Mr. Shields talking about just the runoff water that's running from the piping that's running in their neighborhood? No, this is actually from the main line that provides the supply to the meter at the majority of the homes. Now, it's not exclusively to that. There's actually places that I could take you through the neighborhood that as the main line comes in off of Log Cabin that you've got different places before it even gets to anybody's home where you've got water that's coming out over the the roadway, which if we're about to repave the roads, by the way, uh we're only going to continue to have to cut them up and and desecrate them as we continue to try to patch this water issue that keeps uh deteriorating them in the first place. So,

thank you. Thank you. Okay, that was the last one. I'm sorry. I was reading something else. That was the um last person. We only had two that signed up.

Okay. Thank you so very much. Um, thank you all for coming out to bring your concerns and engaging with capital. This is the only way we're going to make Millsville better is from public engagement. U M, we have a presentation on the uh agenda tonight. Can you please make that presentation is CTA? TA confirmation. and ask the representatives that are here to stand. Come and stand with me. proclamation whereas I'm sorry whereas the association for career and technical education has designated February 1 through 28th 2025 2026, I'm sorry, as career and technical education month. And whereas career, technical, and agricultural education increases

graduation rates and improves academic performance through meaningful experiences, thus enhancing the quality of their education, engaging students, preparing them for careers and postsecary education, and giving all students leadership opportunities in the field in their field and in their communities. And whereas career technical and agricultural education programs in the Baldwin County school system have become a rigorous, progressive, and vital part of the total education system, which is committed to providing students with rewarding opportunities to learn valuable career and life skills. And whereas career technical and agricultural education programs in Baldwin County school system are successfully partnering with business and industry to ensure students are equipped with the advanced communication, time management and leadership skills required for lifelong career success. And whereas career technical and agricultural education programs in Bald in the Bowwin County schools system provide equity and e and access for students from all socioeconomical backgrounds and academic ability levels preparing them for high skills, high wages and in demand careers. And whereas the everinccreasing cooperative efforts of career, technical and agricultural educators with business and industry stimulate the growth and vitality of our local economy and that

of that nation by preparing graduates for career fields forecast to experience the much significant and fastest growth in the next decade. Now therefore, I, Mary Parm Copelan, Mayor of the city of Milligville, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2026 as career, technical, and a agricultural education month in Milligville, Georgia, and urge all citizens to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by the career, technical, and agricultural education programs in this community and to support and participate in these programs to enhance their individual skills and productivity. Whereas I here unto set my hand and seal hand and cause this seal to be affixed on the 27th day of January 2026. Mayor Mary Arm Copelan Miss City Manager, uh, if my signature is not on that, can y'all stamp it or can they come back and get it tomorrow?

We have it prepared for you already. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Pro. Um, I'm going to read this part of you. I hope by memory I hope my memory doesn't lose me. I don't lose my memory here. She hopes if I do pick me up. You all have received a copy of the January 13, 2026 council meetings. Are there any corrections? Hearing none. I have a motion to adopt.

So move second. Okay. Your property motion is second. Um, madam clerk, please call for the vote. Dr. Lee, I. Miss. Miss M. I. Miss Pendergas. Hi. Dr. Wales. I. Miss Shinholster. I. The motion is adopted.

Wow. Thought I was going to really lose that one. Anyway, uh, mayor's comments tonight. Um, first of all, let me say congratulations and welcome um to Alderman uh Simmons in her absence, Alderman Pagas. Make sure I say your name properly, Miss Morgan. Uh, and Dr. Wells, welcome. We look forward to working with you all in the next four years to get the work done. All gas and no breaks is my motto for the next four years. All gas and no breaks. And I'm looking for great things out of this council uh to come to pass. We're here to show the people. We're here to work for the people and we're going to do what's needed in the city of Nicholsville. Dr. Wells, my intentions were to call you on this morning, but I would like to appoint you as the ex official member to the downtown development authority. Um they meet once a month if I'm correct. um met um city manager and I think I know they meet at the downtown authority development building. I think it's it used to be around 7:30 7:45ish. I'm not sure uh what the time frames is. Melbourne can help you with that, but I believe you'll be an excellent fit for that uh position if you're willing to take it.

I do, Madam Mayor. Thank you so much for your confidence in me. Thank you very much. Um, Dr. Lee. Yes, ma'am. I would like to appoint you as pension committee chairperson if that works for you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Thank y'all so willing tonight. Maybe I need to stay home any more nights. I don't appreciate.

There will be some more committee appointments for the rest of the council coming by the next council meeting. We're going to be about some business in this tenure council. So, get ready. adjust your schedules. We're getting ready to go into um budgeting. So, you know, we meet and we open up every Tuesday night. Um we try to leave that open for the new members once we hit next month. We start trying to go start heading towards our budgeting cycle, but then there are going to be some call meetings that we're going to have because we just have so much on the agenda to get done. Um Dr. Lee, are you ready for the mayor prom appointment tonight? Have you gotten that together? Yes, ma'am.

Yes. Okay. So, I think that's on I'm looking up. I'm getting used to what y'all already used to. So, I think that I see that on down. So, we'll wait on that one. Okay. Thank you for being prepared for us tonight. Um, I also was notified by Miss Cheryl Jones about Memory Hill. you all know we we maintain that cemetery and they've had two more graves to be uh destroyed and what I shared with her is that often times they use that cemetery which shouldn't be used in that sense to um the sororities and the fraternities when they're pledging

and sometimes you know they're in that late at night. She's requesting that we start to lock the cemetery back down. And by us maintaining that cemetery, you know, that means we have to lock it at a certain time. We have to open it up at a certain time. Um, Senator Williams and I had discussed last year, maybe at the first of the year, uh, about the fencing and stuff, what I suggested is that we raise the fencing up a little bit more because, you know, we know vandals, where there's a will, there's a way. They're going to get in regardless. And now that we have the walking trail on the back side coming up back up around from JMC to Franklin, I don't know who would be brave enough to try to crawl over to get in that way, but we never know. So um please be thinking about some thoughts that you would want to comment on that and um send your thoughts to me or either um Miss Me so we can look at trying to address that issue. Um, I know y'all hate y'all miss uh GMA this year, but I'm kind of happy in a way. It means I get to go with you guys when you go. I was going to miss it, but um glad glad everybody was safe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, city of Millersville, for being such so helpful to the county, making sure we got everything done and everybody being proactive rather than reactive uh during the state of the emergency that the governor put us under. I hear we possibly going to have some more bad weather coming. And then the bad weather might be the weather that we don't prepare for. It will be the one that we'll we wish we had prepared for. Um that's all I have tonight. So, at this time, I'm gonna turn it over to the city manager's report here. I'm giving me a eight. I believe I'm doing fairly decent.

All right. Got something in your hands. You're doing great, mayor. Um, you all have received the report that I sent you all regarding the ordinances and resolutions that we will go over tonight. Are there any questions about anything? Okay, everyone's good with that. Okay, I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce and to reintroduce new staff here at the city of Milligville. Um, we have appointed a new finance director. She's no stranger to the Milligville. She has already been here with us for three years and that is Miss Jere Wilson. Just stand up and wave to everyone.

Yes, ma'am. And we also have Miss Adisia Dunlap who has come aboard as our new accounting manager. So we now have a fully staffed finance department and we ready to get our feet back on the ground and get to work. Just want to take that moment to introduce to everyone. Um there are no other questions. That's all I have. All right. Thank you. Welcome aboard. Um Mr. Dunlap. Miss Dunlap. Glad to have you. Miss Dunlap, I'm sorry. We're glad I can't see you all. So we're glad to have you aboard. Uh at this time there is there any old business that we need to attend? No ma'am.

Okay. Hearing nine, we'll move on over into new business and I'll ask madam clerk to read ordinance 0-2601-01. First first read of the of an ordinance amending the land development code. Oh, maybe I'm reading too far. I'm sorry. Ordinance 02601-01. Conduct a first read for an ordinance amending the land development code to allow for reszoning on property located at 133 Shop Road to allow for a meat processing facility, coal storage, packaging, and wholesale distribution. Applicant Invar Balt Baltac, I'm not sure. I'm sorry. Of Spice Best LLC wishes to have property reszone from OI Office Institutional to LI Light Industrial.

Okay, this is a first read and then we'll go over to the planning and zoning. Um area four further observation. Mhm.

All right. So next we have resolution R-2601-2. Resolution R-2601-2. A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a professional services contract with project management solutions for project management services related to the fire and rescue station number three renovation project and for other lawful purposes. You all have heard the resolution. Do I hear a motion to approve? Motion to approve. Second

motion. I'm sorry I didn't hear it. Miss M. Okay. So, is there a proper motion and second? Um, madam clerk, please call the role. Dr. Lee, I. Miss M. Hi. Miss Pendergast. Hi. Dr. Will. I. Miss Shen Holsters. I would like to abstain from voting um on this resolution because I have a personal relationship with an employee of Project Management Solutions and also have a relative that's um employed by a subsidiary comp part of the company.

All right. So the the vote passes. Um, madame clerk, if you will, read resolution 2601-04. Resolution R- Excuse me. There was no questions on that, so I'm moving on. Okay. Um, Mr. Jordan. Yes, ma'am. Next. Thank you. All right. Please read resolution 2601-04. Resolution R-2601-04, a resolution to extend for an additional four months the moratorum on permitting of convenience stores, food marts, and vape shops.

Right. We have heard the resolution. Can I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. Okay. It's been a proper motion and second. Cler, please call the role. Dr. Lee I Miss M I. Miss Pendergast. Hi. Dr. Wills. Hi. Miss Shan Holster. I the motion is adopted. Madam clerk we read will read the last resolution 2601-05.

Resolution R-2601-05 pledging to practice and promote civility in the city of Milligville. You have further resolution. Have a motion to approve. So move. Second. Is there proper motion and second? Madam clerk, please call the role. Dr. Lee, I. Miss M. I. Miss Pendergas. Hi. Dr. Wills. I. Miss Shanholster. I. Resolution is adopted. Next on the agenda, we have alcohol license applications. Are there any for tonight?

No, ma'am. All right. Next, we have appointments. Um, first up is Mayor Pro Tim, Dr. Lee. Mayor Copelan, I move to allow Miss Denise Shinhoster to serve as our mayor prom 2026 2027. Second. Okay. For this year. Yes. You mean for this calendar year? For the calendar year 2026. Okay. Yes. Okay. You have a motion to approve. Motion to approve.

No, we don't have to approve that. I'm sorry. So, we thank you for Well, the motion was Dr. Lee. It was seconded by Miss M. Miss. Okay. All right. All right. So, proper motion is second. Do we need to vote on that, Mr. Jordan? I can't remember that. Yes, ma'am. We do need to vote. Okay. Madam clerk, please call the vote. Dr. Lee, I. Miss M. I. Miss Pendergas. Hi. Dr. Wells. I. Miss Shenholster. I am Stain. I have a personal relationship with her. Well, it's not going to pass without that fourth baby. I just thought

right nowation with I just thought I'd add that. That was good. Following my attorney's orders. You all I I say hats off and cool to sh Holster, even Mr. Chambers when he was there. They have served as mayor pro Tim diligently making sure to help the mayor to oversee the city of Millsville and the city manager. So, thank you, mission also, for continuing to serve in that seat. Uh, the next is the city municipal court prosecutor. I need a a motion on the um appointee that we're appointing.

Somebody's got somebody from council's got to make the nomination. Yeah. See, I'm winging it, Mr. Jordan. I thought everything in front of them. I'm just looking at the agenda. No, ma'am. I mean the charter says that the council shall appoint the solicitor prosecutor. Yes ma'am. I move to have Miss Carrie Allen as the city municipal court uh prosecutor. Second that motion. Property motion and second. Um cler please call the role. Dr. Lee I. Miss M. I. Miss Pendergast. Hi. Dr. Wills. Hi. I miss Hoster.

I Right. The appointment is approved. Thank you, Miss Carrie, for all that you do. We going to keep it in the family. You keep serving. Thank you, mayor. Standing mayor. Thank you, Madame Mayor. You're so welcome. And thank you to council. I will not let you down. I promise. Big shoes to pee. We got high hopes, but I know you got it. Female power. Um the next is council members for the pension committee. Dr. Lee, is that something you would uh address or are you going to

That's your appointments, mayor, for uh members of the pension committee to be confirmed by council be confirmed. Uh I don't know who wants to serve and who has the time to serve. Um well, is she Dr. Lee one of those vacancies? Are you filling one of those vacancies? Steve, she she's Steve's vacancy. I think the only other one two and Janette was both of the previous council members have retired. So So one of your appointment one of your appointments, mayor, would be uh Dr. Lee.

Uh but but we need one other appointment as well. There's two members of council on that pension committee. Just so you all know that pension committee meets typically once to twice a year. Um more than Miss Miss Penderg said that she would be willing to do it. Okay. All right. Excellent time for her to learn what it is to be She wants to learn it.

Yeah. She wants to learn you're willing to get with Dr. Lee and learn it. Then tag you're it. Thank you for volunteering. That's what we need on this council is a spirit of volunteering and because it takes time. We have put time and effort into these uh appointments and committees. So, thank you, Miss Morgan, for that. I have nothing else. Do we have a class of Georgia College in the house tonight? We need to vote on these two appointments. Mayor Council Council confirms those appointments. Okay. I told you, Mr. Jordan, I'm moving to 9. No, that's good. You're good.

Uh so, um I need a motion uh to confirm these two appointments for the pension committee, please. So moved. Second. There's been proper motion and second. Madame clerk, please call the role. Dr. Lee, I. Miss Simmons, I'm sorry. Miss M. I. Miss Pendergas. Hi. Dr. Wells. Hi. Miss Shanholster. I All right, the appointments are approved. Now, are there any college students from Dr. Wilson or any other government class in the audience with us, Mr. Nosen? I don't see any at this time.

The um um mayor, the school superintendent is here. We would like to recognize her, Dr. Brooks, would you please stand?

Good to have you, Dr. Brooks. Thank you for coming.

Commissioner Little's here. Oh, and Commissioner Little, I'm sorry, Scott, and I didn't mean to overlook you. You You've become such a regular, we're gonna make you a part of us. You keep on going. Always glad to have you, Commissioner Little. Did Dr. Brooks not want to say anything? Address the audience. We appreciate you recognizing Mr. Lacador and the CTA program. Thank Mr. Lacader for all that he does. Great job.

Thank you. All right, council. We have went through the agenda. I might need to use this as my outline um for tonight. And if there's no no other questions, concerns um at this point, I would say Mayor Copelan for your your concerns and your thoughts uh through my time of illness. God has me on a strong recovery road. I plan to be there with you all tonight, but you will see me at the next meeting. Uh I got to go shopping. I know y'all not going to see me looking like Morgan, but I got to go shopping.

So, thank you all for all of your concerns. Flowers, food, fruit baskets. Thank you, Mayor Copelan. I just want to take a moment to thank um um Mr. Casino for his service as our court prosecutor and um did an excellent job and we just want him to know how much we appreciate what he did stepping in and doing that job for us. Absolutely. Absolutely fine to um prosecute. Anyone else? If not, you all have did great. 609.

That being all, let me have a motion to adjourn. So move second close session call the ro Dr. Lee I Miss Map I miss Pendergast. Hi Dr. Wells I Miss Shanholster I All right journals you hit the G. All right.