Citizens address City Council

The September meeting of the Swainsboro Mayor and City Council was held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Swainsboro City Hall. Following an Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, the council agreed to amending the agenda to include time for discussion of employment issues at the Police Department. The council then heard public comments from three speakers. Mr. Shon Corley addressed the council on the need to maintain street’s right-of-way and other areas where limbs and other unsafe conditions presently exist and need attention from the City. Mr. Corley also addressed the current lack of representation in Ward 5 and inquired as to the current status of Councilman Quan Foster. Next, Roger Richards addressed the council regarding hours of operation and closing times for certain establishments. Mayor Bennett responded to this saying, ”we could revisit that issue”. Mrs. Julia Carswell spoke about conditions in the Racetrack and Lucky Street neighborhoods citing various problems including drug activity, derelict housing, gun violence, and other criminal activity. Mrs. Carswell commented that these conditions were worsening and asked for more help from the City. The mayor responded that they would talk to the Police Chief. Mrs. Willie Gillis appeared before the council to speak about automobiles and four-wheelers racing in this residential area as well as other dangerous vehicle operation issues in the Miller Drive and Ben Street areas of King Circle Drive. Chief Ellison verified the problem and suggested various solutions. The council agreed to pursue remedies for the problem, possibly installing speed bumps. Kevin Palmer with DPR Architects was the first item under old business and discussed the possible renovations to the Swainsboro City Hall building. Following this presentation, the council voted to accept a proposal of $18,162 for survey and planning preparation for the project. The council next considered the installation of speed detection cameras along school zone roads. The system of automatic detection and fines operates at no charge to the city and could be programmed to provide a one-time warning before fines are levied against the owners of vehicles photographed speeding. Revenues from the fines would be divided between the city and the camera company. The council voted 5-0 to adopt the system. In new business, the council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the county to contract for services to conduct municipal elections. Next, the council considered hiring new personnel for the Police Department. Following recommendations from Chief Ellison, the council voted 5-0 to hire Gunner Brown as a new officer trainee. A new hire for the Fire Department was also agreed to by council; Justin Britt Williams was approved 5-0 for employment. In final personnel action, Jade Wadley was hired as a part-time employee for a clerk position at City Hall. At this point the council entered executive session for discussion of contract exception.

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