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By Sarah Brown – Managing Editor

The Cordele City Commission met on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 9am at the Cordele City Hall Courtroom with Chairman Joshua Deriso, Commissioner Vest Beal Shepard, Commissioner Isaac H. Owens, Commissioner Royce Reeves, Sr., Commissioner Wesley Rainey and City attorney, Tommy Coleman in attendance.

River Valley Regional Commission update from Executive Director, Jim Livingston who spoke on the work they have done over the last year and the potential in the coming future.

Department Head Reports

Community Advancement Director, Maurice Hill has been getting involved in many aspects of the community including housing, education and infrastructure. He has worked it the Principal of the Crisp County Primary School to implement STEM programs. He has also spoken with the Peanut Gin Owner, and in discussion with him in regards to using the space for potential retail or lofts. Additionally he has spoken with homebuilders, renovation contractors and mobile home manufacturers to gather information on building affordable housing. As well as, home owners on resources available to renovate current homes.

Fire Chief Todd Alligood, gave his report for reporting period of January 29^th through February 27^th. They had a total of 56 calls for service, 4 structure fires, 4 gas leaks, 6 electrical, 21 medical, 2 motor vehicle accidents and numerous other calls. In department news, Sgt. Averill has been promoted to Corporal, he also had the pleasure to interact with two of the animals control officers, Brandi and Alyssa. They were called to come pick up a stray dog that had moved into the Fire Station. He was thoroughly pleased with the state of the facility, saying that it was clean and organized.

Police Chief, Jalon Heard, started his report addressing the public in regards to the questions that have come forward in regards to the accuracy of the statistic that are brought forward the first meeting of each month. He confirmed that the information is accurate, and it only from the Cordele Police Department as they do not have access to other agencies. All statistics are authenticated and kept on file. He also mentioned that the Cordele Police Department is responsible for all calls within the City of Cordele and they answer all calls for service, and occasionally will back up another agency or vice versa. Additionally, they do not control the 911 system, another agency does. The 911 agency is responsible for dispatching units and what information is entered. Chief Heard said, “I urge you to consider the source of these rumors and question their motives. Do not be swayed my misinformation, confusion, or deceit.” He welcomes anyone who would like to view this information to the department and do so.

The numerical breakdown for calls for service in the reporting period of January 30^th through February 26^th. Part I crimes total of 26, 1 armed robbery, 5 motor vehicle thefts with 4 recovered, 2 aggravated assaults, 16 larceny with 1 entering auto, 6 shoplifting with 4 adults arrested, and 9 other thefts. They had 117 Part II crimes, 94 incidents, 55 community contacts, 135 citations issued and 52 warnings, with a total of 1,082 calls for service.

Cordele Police Department news, they will be hosting the Easter Egg Hunt with SAM Shortline on March 30^th at the Depot. The Community Events are raffling a custom fire pit with a value of $550 with all proceeds going to future events. Tickets can be purchased at the Cordele Police Department. They will be doing their Annual Autism Awareness Walk in April. In terms of hiring they have 3 people in the hiring process with 2 weeks of training and testing left. They with also be doing a Captains Assessment, promoting in house.

Codes, Chief Jalon Heard gave a brief breakdown for reporting period January 30^th through February 26^th. Codes found 22 abandon vehicles, they did 28 inspections and they had 64 issues with junk and weeds.

Agenda item number on was to consider and approve an event permit for A Cross Walk Event organized by Sandi Carenes. Date of event is March 29, 2024 at 10:00am-12:00 noon. The walk will start at 1205 South 7^th Street, down to 16^th Avenue, turning right in Central Ave., stopping at Home Depot. Police escort is requested from 1205 South 7^th Street to Home Depot. Police Chief Jalon Heard had approved this item on February 26, 2024. This item was properly moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number two was to consider and approve an event permit for Bunny Hunt by Little Blessings Daycare . The event will be held on March 30, 2024 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The event will take place at the Cordele Community Clubhouse. Special request to block off 6^th St. to 15^th Ave. Police Chief Jalon heard had approved this item on February 26, 2024. This item was properly moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number three was to consider and approve an event permit for a Family Event- Easter Fest and Easter Express sponsored by Crisp Area Arts Alliance, SAM Shortline and Main Street on March 30, 2024 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at 105 East 9^th Avenue. Special Request to block off, 9^th Avenue from 6^th and 7^th street, they have their own barricades. This item was properly moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number four was to consider and approve an event permit for a Family Event – Mother’s Day Festival sponsored by Cordele Main Street and La Calandria Mexican Truck, 105 East 9^th Avenue, May 11, 2024 from 12:00 noon to 7:00pm. This item was properly moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number five was to consider and approve Alcoholic Beverage License (No Exceptions Noted)

Beer & Wine Consumed Off Premises – Approved by Police Chief Heard 2.27.2024

16^th Ave Inc.

416 W 16^th Ave.

Cordele, GA 31015

Reloveme A. Patel – Owner

Liquor by the drink – Approved by Police Chief Heard 2.27.2024

El-Girasol, LLC

102 E 14^th Ave. Ste. F

Cordele, GA 31015

Yolanda Medina – Owner

This item was properly moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

 

Agenda item number six was to consider the First Reading of an Ordinance to amend and restate the Retirement Plan for the Employees of the City of Cordele, Georgia, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the attached Adoption Agreement, any Addendum to the Adoption Agreement, the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System (GMEBS) Basic Plan Document, and the GMEBS Trust Agreement. When accepted by the authorized officers of the City and GMEBS, the foregoing shall constitute a contract between the City and GMEBS, all as authorized and provided by O.C.G.A.§ 47-5-1 et seq.

Background Summary Information:

GMEBS recently received a favorable determination letter from the IRS for the Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. The Plan, as approved, incorporates required federal law updates, as well as administrative updates adopted by the Board of Trustees of GMEBS over the last several years. To ensure continued tax-qualified status for all GMEBS- member retirement plans, all participating employers must readopt their plans using the most recent IRS-approved Adoption Agreement.

This item was properly moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number seven was to Appoint a Voting Delegate to vote for the Participating Local Government at a Regional, In-person Meeting for Consideration of Three Statewide Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission Members (GOSAC) and Regional Advisory Council (RAC)

Members Background Summary Information:

The Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Georgia and Participating Local Governments as part of Georgia’s participation in the national Opioid Settlement requires the creation of the Georgia Opioid Settlement Advisory Commission (GOSAC) and Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) to assess grant applications and recommend funding for the regional portion of the opioid settlement funds. Each Participating Local Government will receive one vote as part of this process and must select a Voting Delegate to vote on the three (3) remaining GOSAC members to represent local governments and RAC members for their respective region. The Voting Delegate will represent the entity at the Regional, in-person meeting. The Voting Delegate can be an elected official or staff member. Cordele is in Region 6. The Region 6 meeting will be held on March 27^th at 10:00 AM at the Harris County Library. Additional information on the regional meetings will be emailed to the voting delegates.

Commissioner Wesley Rainey nominated Commissioner and Vice Chairman Royce Reeves to be appointed for this position. This item was properly moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

City Manager, Angela Redding gave her report reminding businesses that the occupational license will be due April 1^st, 2024. Property taxes were due on February 12^th and on March 11^th they will be sending out letters for those who have not paid. Express Disposal has addressed a question in regards to how the carts should face for pick-up. The wheels of the cart should be up against the curb for easy access and efficient dumping. There are two public notices; the water department will be replacing a fire hydrant on 15^th Avenue and 5^th Street. Check out the link with addresses included

The next Comprehensive Planning Update Meeting will be held on Thursday March 7^th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the South Georgia Technical College in Cordele. The focus of this meeting will be transportation in the city. They welcome all to come and give their opinions on changes within the community.

Beverly Vance retired from the City of Cordele after 42 years in the finance department. Information on a celebration of her retirement will be out in the near future.

There are also a few new businesses in Cordele, Angeltique, Git in my Belly, Inspired Wealth Planning, Slammin’ Sami’s, Soul Shine Studios and The Plug.