Ocilla council grants alcohol license to Esparaza Mexican Restaurant; approves landfill, animal-shelter contracts and tornado sirens

The City of Ocilla Council on June 16 voted to grant Victor Esparza an alcohol license for Esparaza Mexican Restaurant, approved a contract for environmental services at the SR 32 landfill and ratified a revised animal-control contract, and authorized the purchase of two refurbished tornado warning sirens.

Mayor Melvin D. Harper II opened a public hearing on the restaurant’s request. Resident Susan Driskell spoke in support, saying Ocilla was “losing customers to the Mexican restaurant in Fitzgerald because they sell alcohol.” Council Member Clae Wynn moved to grant the license and Council Member Lisa Cook seconded; the motion passed 4–1, with Council Member Patrice Manley voting no.

The license vote was soon followed by several routine contract approvals. Council Member Clae Wynn moved to approve the Environmental Services Contract for the Ocilla SR 32 Landfill and authorized the mayor to execute the document; Council Member Lemora Moses seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Council Member Patrice Manley then moved to approve a revised contract with Alapaha Animal Control and Shelter; Mayor Pro Tem Chris Paulk seconded and that motion also passed unanimously.

Fire Chief Will Towson presented three quotes for tornado-warning sirens — two for new units and one for a refurbished option. The council approved a $22,000 purchase from McCranie Warning Systems for two refurbished Federal Signal Thunderbolt 1000AT sirens with a five-year warranty. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Paulk moved the purchase, Council Member Clae Wynn seconded, and the motion passed 4–1; Council Member Lisa Cook cast the lone opposing vote.

City staff submitted routine monthly reports: Chief of Police Ashley Jones provided policing activity, Director Corneilus Hall delivered the streets report, and Utilities Director Bruce Wilder reported no items. Fire Chief Towson said the department responded to one major fire that resulted in a total loss.

The council’s approvals are procedural steps that allow the city to finalize contracts and make the siren purchase; the alcohol license permits Esparaza Mexican Restaurant to sell alcohol under the terms set by the city and any applicable state rules. The council did not provide extra detail in the record about license conditions or vendor contract terms beyond the votes taken.

The council adjourned after addressing these agenda items.