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By Jeff Moore

Contributing writer

 

Cordele City Commission upheld a decision related to a fence installed in the historic district handed down by the Historic Preservation Commission.

Property owner Debra Taucer filed an appeal seeking approval to keep the fence installed around the front yard of her home.

During the Tuesday, Jan. 21 meeting, commissioners reviewed her appeal but, in the end, determined they would not overrule the commission’s decision.

Taucer installed the fence, which commissioners said was a very nice one, around her property without contacting the city.

Under the city’s historic preservation district regulations, Commission Chairman Joshua Deriso said fences are not permitted in the front of the properties.

“There are guidelines for the historic district fencing,” Deriso said. “It states no fence in the front yard. Also, it’s a public safety issue as well with what she’s trying to do.”

I was mentioned that in the past commissioners intervened and allowed items not permitted in the district.

“Going forward, we just need to make sure that we are here to enforce what we currently have in place,” Deriso said.

Commissioner Wesley Rainey said he believes Taucer needs to take the matter back to the Historic Preservation Commission to see if there is something they can work out that is acceptable and falls within the guidelines.

“This is a teachable moment more than anything else,” Deriso said, noting it is clear that the fence took a lot of work and money to install.

“I just encourage everybody, if you’re getting work done to your property in the city limits, come to the city,” he said. “We have jurisdiction over the city and can tell you whether it’s a green light or not or tell you what you need to do to get to a green light,” Deriso added.

The commission voted unanimously to uphold the HPC decision to deny the permit for the fence.

 

Municipal court judge term

To comply with changes mandated by the state, the term of the city’s Municipal Court judge was set and approved for two years.

Judge Russell Wright was just reappointed earlier this month for another term as the city court judge. City Attorney Tommy Coleman said since work on the ordinance setting the term was started last fall, it will mean that Wright will serve out through 2025 and 2026.

The ordinance setting the municipal court judge term at two years was unanimously approved on second reading.

Following the vote, Deriso repeated his call for the commission to seek both a new public defender and a solicitor for the court, noting they do not have terms and serve at will.

He said he wants the positions filled by individuals who are unbiased and impartial.

Deriso said he believes the current officials operate on a “buddy system,” which takes away the impartiality.

“Judge should be blind,” he said. “There’s too many occasions where it has not been that way in our court system.”

While they don’t mind collaboration and working together with the judge, he said there should be healthy disagreement between the judge, the city solicitor and the public defender.

The commission took no action at the meeting on looking for others interested in serving in those positions.

 

Event permit OK’d

The commission approved a permit for the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Cookie Booth at the Walmart store located at 1215 East 16th Ave. in Cordele. Organized by Ila Jo Lucas, the booth will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 14-17 and Feb. 22 and from 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. The booth will be setup between the two front doors and the Girl Scouts have written permission for the event from Walmart that is on file with the city.

 

Surplus items sale

The commission voted to list surplus items from the city’s public works department for sale on the action site GovDeals.com.

Deriso said in the comment period that he would like to see local agencies and nonprofits have the opportunity to purchase the items before they are opened to others. He asked City Attorney Coleman if this is the only option for handling surplus items.

Coleman said state law requires they be put out for bid, whether it is on this website or if it is advertised as a public notice listing items for sale through sealed bids.

Coleman added that if the value of an item is under $500, the city can negotiate the sale without having to send it out for an auction or sealed bids.

The listing of the surplus items on GovDeals.com won unanimous approval.

 

Appointments approved

The commission unanimously approved two appointments last Tuesday.

Jessie J. Felton Jr. was appointed to the Community Clubhouse Coordination Board.

Jerome Deal was named to serve on the Cordele Carnegie Library board.

 

Signatories approved

Commissioners approved changes to who can sign checks on two accounts during the meeting.

Main Street Manager Monica Rentfrow was approved for addition as a signatory on the city of Cordele Downtown Development Authority bank account.

With Commissioner Wesley Rainey now serving as the commission’s vice chairman, he was approved unanimously as a signatory on the city of Cordele’s bank accounts, replacing former vice chairman Royce Reeves Sr.

 

Cantrell recognized

Members of the commission ended Tuesday’s meeting congratulating Housing and Urban Advancement Director Irene Cantrell for her service to the city.

Cantrell is retiring on Jan. 31, Deriso said, thanking her for working with him through the years

“I appreciate and thank you for always being polite with me,” the chairman said, adding that her corner of the city offices is one of the most friendly when he would come through.

Each of the commissioners then proceeded to add their praise for Cantrell’s work. They also encouraged her to continue working to improve Cordele and to consider serving on some of the city’s boards and commissions.

Until a replacement is hired, Deriso noted that Community Advancement Director Maurice Hill will handle her duties.