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Brooks council adopts elections ordinance, new safety and harassment policies and approves flashing intersection signs
Summary
At its April 17 meeting, the Brooks Town Council unanimously adopted an addition to the town code governing elections, approved GIRMA-required seat-belt and workplace harassment policies, and authorized purchase of two flashing intersection signs using 2017 SPLOST funds.
BROOKS, Ga. — The Brooks Town Council on April 17 adopted an addition to the town Code of Ordinances governing elections and approved a slate of personnel and public-safety measures, all by unanimous votes.
Mayor Pro Tempore Scott Israel opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the council first approved the agenda and March minutes. During old business the council completed a second reading and unanimously approved adding Chapter 14 (elections) to the town code after the town attorney identified the change as necessary when reviewing an intergovernmental agreement with Fayette County.
Town Manager M. Ungaro told the council the ordinance "is very straightforward on how elections are run in the state of Georgia," and Mayor Pro Tempore Israel asked for a motion to approve. Council Member Kay Brumbelow moved approval and Council Member Todd Speer seconded; the vote was unanimous.
In new business the council adopted two policies required by the town's insurer, GIRMA. Ungaro said a recent unannounced GIRMA audit found the town lacked a seat-belt policy; the adopted policy requires employees to wear seat belts in company-owned vehicles and when using a personal vehicle on company business. The council also approved a workplace harassment policy that defines workplace and sexual harassment and provides examples of prohibited conduct. Motions to adopt both policies passed unanimously.
Council members also approved using 2017 SPLOST funds to buy two flashing intersection signs for northbound and southbound approaches at 85 Connector and Brooks Road to help slow vehicles; Ungaro estimated each sign would cost about $1,600. Council Member Ted Britt moved approval; Council Member Kay Brumbelow seconded; the vote was unanimous.
Other routine votes included approval of a library deaccession of 381 books valued at $497.75 and the usual procedural motions to open and close the meeting.
Votes at a glance - Addition of Chapter 14 (elections) to the Code of Ordinances — mover: Kay Brumbelow; seconder: Todd Speer; outcome: approved unanimously. - Seat-belt policy adoption — mover: Ted Britt; seconder: Brian Davis; outcome: approved unanimously. - Workplace harassment policy adoption — mover: Todd Speer; seconder: Kay Brumbelow; outcome: approved unanimously. - Purchase of two flashing intersection signs (2017 SPLOST funds) — mover: Ted Britt; seconder: Kay Brumbelow; outcome: approved unanimously. - Library deaccession (381 books, $497.75) — mover: Kay Brumbelow; seconder: Brian Davis; outcome: approved unanimously. - Agenda and minutes — approved unanimously.
Why it matters: The elections ordinance codifies town procedures tied to a county intergovernmental agreement; the policies respond to insurer requirements intended to reduce liability, and the flashing signs represent a modest SPLOST-funded traffic-safety investment aimed at slowing traffic on a connector road.
What’s next: The council will receive the FY2024 proposed budget at a future meeting; a rezoning request for 185 Gable Road will be heard next month. An addendum filed April 24 shows a subsequent email vote by three council members approving Resolution 2023-03, which adopts Fayette County's 2022 Annual Report on Fire Services Impact Fees and related comprehensive plan amendments for Brooks.
