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Demorest council approves water conservation plan, several contracts and a home‑rule ordinance; tables two proposals
Summary
On April 7 the council unanimously approved a water conservation plan, a water & sewer development contract (max $12,500), a 2‑inch water meter agreement, a DDA map resolution, a cleaning contract, a July 4 band contract authorization, an alley closure and opioid settlement execution authority; it adopted a home‑rule quorum ordinance and tabled the GoGov contract and an employee‑benefits proposal.
The Demorest City Council on April 7 approved a package of administrative measures and ordinances and set follow‑up review for a handful of items.
Key approvals (each 4–0 unless otherwise noted): the council accepted and approved a water conservation plan; authorized a water & sewer development standards contract with a stated maximum cost of $12,500; approved a 2‑inch water meter agreement; adopted a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) map resolution; approved a cleaning services contract at $485 per month for biweekly cleaning of city hall and monthly conference‑room service; authorized the city attorney to draft a July 4 band contract and permitted the city manager to execute it; and approved an alley closure at Walnut and Ohio streets.
The council also authorized Mayor Jerry Harkness to execute documents to participate in a Six Remnant Defendants opioid settlement (deadline to opt in May 4) and approved an existing memorandum of understanding with the Board of Education to purchase fuel (the MOU includes a 5% administrative fee per gallon). Two items were tabled for further review: the GoGov contract and a proposal from the Georgia Municipal Employee Benefit System.
One substantive ordinance passed on second reading: a home‑rule ordinance amending Section 2.21 of the City Charter to clarify quorum and voting rules. The ordinance specifies that a quorum is either three councilmembers or two councilmembers plus the mayor, that ordinances are adopted by voice vote unless a roll call is requested, and that approval normally requires three affirmative votes or the mayor plus two councilmembers. The ordinance also states the mayor may vote to break a tie or when vacancies reduce the council below a quorum.
The council recessed to executive session to discuss personnel matters and potential litigation, reconvened and adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
Provenance: See meeting record from SEG 009 through SEG 012 for votes and tablings.
