Cochran council approves housing inspection contract, wastewater plan and ordinance amendments; mayor breaks tie on housing contract

On Jan. 14 the Cochran City Council approved several administrative and infrastructure items, including a professional inspection contract for CDBG housing work and a mandated nutrient optimization plan for the wastewater treatment plant.

Kevin Burnley submitted a proposal to perform housing write-ups for the city’s CDBG application at $600 per house for 12 houses ($7,200). Council discussion focused on whether the city had solicited multiple bids and on maximizing local contracting. The motion to hire Burnley was moved by Council Member Gary Ates and seconded by Council Member Lonnie Tedders; the vote was tied 2–2 and Mayor Billy Yeomans cast the tie-breaking yes, carrying the measure 3–2.

Council unanimously approved a $5,500 proposal from D.A. Brown Environmental LLC to develop a comprehensive nutrient optimization plan required by the city’s NPDES permit. City staff said the plan will set treatment parameters for phosphorus and ammonia, ensure compliance with Georgia Environmental Protection Division expectations, and be completed within six months; funding was allocated from the wastewater professional services account.

Council also unanimously adopted amendments to the city's soil erosion, sedimentation and pollution control ordinance to meet Georgia EPD’s Local Issuing Authority requirements. Separately, the council approved a corrected amount for a previously discussed city park infrastructure bid (corrected from $1,409,672.12 to $1,439,672.12), with the council noting the change resulted from a contractor form typographical error and that the sum remained within the original budget allocation.

Outcome: Contracts and ordinance changes were approved; staff will oversee implementation and report back as required.