City of Demorest, Georgia

Minutes from City Council Meeting

Special Called Meeting

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

5:00 PM – Demorest Municipal Building

The Mayor and Council met for a special called Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Present for the meeting was Mayor Rick Austin, Councilman Jerry Harkness (5:34 PM), Sean Moore, John Popham and Councilwoman Florence Wikle (6:20 PM). Also present for the meeting was City Manager Steve Lindsey, City Clerk Marlena Sosebee, Public Utilities Director Bryan Popham, Police Chief Robin Krockum, and Fire Chief Ken Ranalli.

Councilman Moore gave the invocation and led the pledge to the flag.

Mayor Austin called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

This meeting was held to discuss the strategic budget planning with department heads. This was an opportunity for the department heads to speak with Mayor and Council to educate them on the needs of their department and their long range goals.

Police Chief Robin Krockum requested to hire a full time officer to his department. His goal is during the busy time there will be two officers on duty. He also stated the following to be considered for the budget:

  • Tag Reader
  • Increase the training budget
  • 5 year plan – Replace the oldest patrol car and replace the Chevrolet Tahoe

Since the court clerk had gone to part time in the department it was decided to move forward this year with hiring the police officer instead of waiting until the new year.

Public Utilities Director Bryan Popham stated that he would like to prioritize the following:

  • Two service trucks
  • Culvert Pipe Replacement
  • Chipper Truck
  • Maintenance agreement for water tanks
  • Park maintenance – electricity and lighting, bathrooms, benches and tables
  • Fencing for pump stations
  • Within 2 to 5 years – widening area behind City Hall and Post Office

Fire Chief Ken Ranalli stated that he would like to prioritize the following:

  • New Fire Truck
  • Vehicle Extrication & Rescue Equipment
  • Training Center – There is a potential partnership with Habersham County and City of Clarkesville. Archway has established a public safety committee to discuss partnership.
  • A new station

Councilman Popham made a motion to adjourn the meeting and a second was received by Councilman Harkness. (4-0) 6:30 PM

Marlena I Sosebee
City Clerk