Hiram council proclaims April for child-abuse awareness, approves roofing and park equipment purchases

The Hiram City Council on an April meeting proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and designated April 1 as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Day, while also approving a contract change for a municipal roof and authorizing purchase of playground and fitness equipment.

Mayor Frank Moran opened the meeting with two proclamations. “I, Frank Moran, mayor of the city of Hiram, Georgia, do proclaim April 1 as the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Day,” Moran said when reading the Delta Sigma Theta proclamation. Later he read a proclamation declaring the month of April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and asked citizens to “join with the Paulding Child Advocacy Center to fight child abuse and neglect.”

The proclamations were followed by a public comment from a representative of the Paulding Child Advocacy Center who thanked the council and described services the center provides. The speaker, identified in the meeting as Adam, said the center provides ongoing case advocacy and counseling referrals and noted the center’s upcoming fundraising event on June 20 at the Paulding Parks and Recreation Cultural Arts Center. Adam also said the center is selling blue ribbons for a donation of $10 and asked attendees to consider sponsorships and table opportunities.

On consent and agenda items, council members moved to approve minutes from the March 4, 2025 regular session and the March 25, 2025 work session; schedule a budget work session for May 2025 beginning at 9 a.m. in the Municipal Annex; and approve a contractor change and purchase requests. Council approved authorizing a change of contractor for the roofing project at 76 Seaboard Street to Roofing, Georgia in an amount “not to exceed $31,377.50,” to be funded by general fund accounts including community services and capital outlay. The council also authorized purchase of dog-park and fitness equipment for Homer Leggett Memorial Park from Play South (identified in the record as Play South Playground creators); the transcript lists the purchase amount as “576035¢” (amount unclear in the record) and shows funding from parks and recreation.

A separate agenda item, Resolution 25-2025-06 (open records officer), was noted on the agenda but staff told the council the candidate was no longer working in the police department and no action was taken on that resolution. Other routine notices included city hall closures for Good Friday and upcoming council meetings and retreats.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes (03/04/2025 regular; 03/25/2025 work): motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (vote tally not specified in transcript). - Schedule budget work session (May 2025, 9 a.m., Municipal Annex): motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (vote tally not specified). - Change contractor for roofing project, 76 Seaboard Street, Roofing, Georgia, not to exceed $31,377.50, funded by general funds/community services/capital outlay: motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (vote tally not specified). - Authorize purchase of dog-park and fitness equipment for Homer Leggett Memorial Park from Play South (Play South Playground creators), amount listed in transcript as “576035¢”; funding: parks and recreation: motion made and seconded; outcome: approved (vote tally not specified). - Resolution 25-2025-06 (open records officer): no action taken (candidate no longer with department).

The mayor and council closed the meeting after routine staff and council remarks. The council highlighted local events, including the Taste of Hiram and a joint stakeholders meeting in Paulding County; staff announced upcoming meetings and a council retreat.