March 2007

MAYOR & COUNCIL
MARCH 5, 2007
PAGE 2

TREE BOARD REPORT

Green reported that the Tree Board met on the George Street right of way to locate placement of trees.  Green informed the Council Attorney Strickland also needs to prepare the easements.

Judy Shema informed the Council  city workers will be planting the newly purchased trees  this week.  Areas along Bonnell Street and Oxford Square Sub-Division have been looked at for possible planting sites.

Shema stated the Tree Board is requesting bids for plant materials for the maintenance facility landscaping.  Shema said there has been discussion about a water supply system, possibly and under ground drip system for maintaining the plants.

Arbor Day was held at the George Street park and very well attended.

SENATOR JOHN DOUGLAS

Senator Douglas congratulated those who were pleased with the Newton County Board of Commissioners decision to deny the request for construction of another asphalt plant west of Oxford.

Windham praised David Eady for his report to the Board of Commissioners on the proposed asphalt plant.

Douglas reported issues in this years legislation include a $65-$137 million dollar shortfall in the budget; a Cable Franchise Bill; Hand Gun Rights; and carrying hand guns onto private property.  Douglas stated he is opposed to both hand gun bills.

GENERAL

March Work Session
Tuesday, March 27th - 6:00 p.m. was set for the March work session.

Proclamation-Child Abuse Prevention Month
Motion was made by Holt, seconded by Roseberry proclaiming March 2007 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The Council vote unanimous.

4th of July Parade
A motion was made by Windham, seconded by Oliver acknowledging the city’s support of the  Oxford Lions Club in coordination of the 4th of July Parade and celebration.  The Council vote unanimous.

Windham reported  the Lions Club has expressed an interest in keeping the old fire truck for parade events, but have a concern for storage.  Windham will speak to the Lions Club about the matter.

MAYOR & COUNCIL
MARCH 5, 2007
PAGE 3

Janitorial Services
A request for proposals will be advertised for contracting of janitorial services for the city hall building, the community center building, and the maintenance facilities building.

Carol Poole-Clerk’s Conference
Windham reported  Poole has recently attended the Municipal Clerk’s Conference in Athens and also completed a course in cultural diversity.

Assistant Deputy Clerk’s Position
Oliver reported  applications for the position of Assistant Deputy Clerk will be received thru Friday, March 9th.

Newton County Leadership Forum
Council member Oliver will be attending the Newton County Leadership Forum in Athens Friday and Saturday of this week.  Attorney Strickland will also attend as representative of Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority.

Michelle Swink-Occupational Tax License Application
The Mayor and Council took no action on request from Michelle Swink to open a beauty salon in the rock store pending writing application.

Newton County Reads
LaTrelle Oliver informed the Council that Newton County Reads is holding a scrabble tourney and silent auction fund raiser at Oxford College Student Center on Saturday, March 24th beginning at 10:00 a.m.

UTILITIES/PUBLIC WORKS

Cook Road Phase II Development-Garry Tindall
A motion was made by Windham to authorize Mayor Murdy, and Council members Roseberry and Holt to negotiate with Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority on the issue of territory in providing water and sewer to Phase II development of 135-140 houses on Cook Road (Garry Tindall).  The motion was seconded by Gaither.  The Council vote unanimous.  A formal letter from Mayor Murdy asking that Oxford be allowed to provide both water and sewer services to Phase II has been mailed to Mike Hopkins, NCWSA Director.

Oxford’s Representative on Newton County Water & Sewerage Authority Board
Mayor Murdy forwarded a formal letter to Mike Hopkins, NCWSA Director, appointing Jerry Roseberry as the board member for Oxford during the absence of Terry Smith.

MAYOR & COUNCIL
MARCH 5, 2007
PAGE 4

George Street Culvert
 Frank Sherrill, Hightower Consulting Engineers was asked to prepared a cost estimate for materials and installation of a culvert on the south side of George Street to eliminate 1.  A condition where the rain run-off from the Post Office and street leave the public right-of-way and onto private property, and 2.  To eliminate a deep ditch on a narrow street that has been a hazard for drivers over the years.
The cost estimated for installation - $22,000.00, which includes 626' of 18' storm pipe and 5 catch basins.  A motion was made by Windham, seconded by Oliver to authorize Frank Sherrill to prepare bid specs and seek bids for the George Street culvert project.  The Council vote unanimous.

Resolution-Competitive Trust
A motion was made by Roseberry seconded by Windham to adopt a resolution authorizing William H. Murdy, Mayor, and Jerry D. Roseberry, Council member to execute certificates and documents  MEAG Power may require from time to time to effect the purposes of the Trust and this Resolution. The Council vote unanimous.
Attachment A

PUBLIC SAFETY

Municipal Court Solicitor
A motion was made by Gaither, seconded by Oliver to appoint Tiffany Jones Ellenberg (Madison, Georgia) as Municipal Court Solicitor with an annual compensation  of $4,500.00.  The Council vote unanimous.

STREETS

Bids for the removal of six (6) hazardous trees:
1.  A Tree Removed                                                                                                    $3,350.00
2.  Bartlett Tree Expert Company (bid 5 trees only)      5,525.00
3.  Benny’s Tree Service                                                                                   3,000.00
4.  Milam’s Tree Services (bid 1 tree only)                               1,100.00
5.  Monroe Tree Works, Inc.                                                                             2.300.00

Motion was made by Windham, seconded by Roseberry to accept the bid of Monroe Tree Works, Inc. in the amount of $2,300.00 to remove six (6) trees, stump removal and clean-up.  The Council vote unanimous.

Street Signs
Gaither reported several street signs are missing throughout the city.

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Oliver reported that the Environmental Protection Division has determined that the sixty (60) page revision of the 2006 annual report is now acceptable.