MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND HILL

							MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF RICHMOND HILL NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Present from City Council: Richard R. Davis, Mayor; Dennis O’Neil, Mayor Pro-Tem; Councilmen: Harold Fowler, Floyd Hilliard, Billy Albritton

Staff Present: Michael Melton, City Administrator; Ursula Lee, City Clerk; Linda Phillips, Assistant City Clerk

Visitors: John Butler, Cynthia Tichenor, Donald Durant, Joseph Harley, Mike E. Moore, Manson Nelson, Paula Scott, Scott Evelyn, Greg Torrescano

Mayor Richard Davis called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. and Councilman Fowler gave the invocation. The pledge of allegiance was given. Minutes of the regular meeting held November 13, 2001 were approved with the following corrections made by Councilman O’Neil: 1. Page 4, paragraph one, Councilman Albritton instead of Councilman Fowler made the motion to grant the subdivision of Dr. Hudspeth’s office property into two lots. Page five, paragraph four, replace the word “receive” to “pursue.”

2.

Minutes were approved with the above corrections in a motion by Councilman Fowler, seconded by Councilman Albritton and carried by all.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Administration and Personnel: 1. Mayor Davis announced first item on the agenda was the renewal of the Employee Insurance Proposal and the Agent of Record. Mr. Scott Evelyn with BMG our present carrier and Mr. Donald Durant and Mr. Joseph Harley, local Insurance Brokers; were present to speak on behalf of their companies. Mayor Davis gave both companies time to give their presentations with Mr. Evelyn starting first.

a. Scott Evelyn gave a presentation as Agent of Record for Benefit Management Group, regarding Employee Insurance. Also present were Paula Scott, for Blue Cross and Greg Torrescano, co-broker for BMG. Mr. Evelyn gave a brief history of his company and his experience in the field of group insurance. He reminded the Council of the service his company has provided in the past and stated that the current package would be available at a 9% increase. Mr. Evelyn reminded Mayor and Council that he did not work for Blue Cross Blue Shield his company worked for the City of Richmond Hill by generating the best outcome and policy for the city and they appreciate the City’s business and hope to retain it. Mr. Greg Torrescano spoke of the importance of the experience behind BMG and the service and dedication they have provided to the City of Richmond Hill. b. Don Durant introduced Joseph Harley and himself as local insurance brokers. He also gave background and experience information. He pointed out that as brokers, they work for the client, not one insurance company. He stated his belief that a local agent can give better service to the city. Mr. Harley made his proposal to go with CNA Life Insurance, UNUM-Provident for short-term disability, and UNUM-Provident for long-term disability. He cautioned the Council that many disability policies exclude certain illnesses. He proposed Jefferson Pilot Insurance for dental coverage. He offered comparisons of the prices of his package versus BMG. Mr. Harley again stressed the importance of doing business at a local level. Mayor Davis requested clarification on the price of the Blue Cross coverage and was told that rate would not change if the city changed insurance brokers. He then stated that the remaining components should be the basis for a decision. Councilman Fowler made a motion to remain with BMG for a six-month period to give the Council more time to review the insurance issue. The motion was seconded by Councilman O’Neil and carried by all.

2. Mayor Davis brought forward the second item on the agenda was the need to appoint a Municipal Court Judge. Mayor Davis stated that a meeting had been held with Judge Robert Pirkle and Judge Manson Nelson and Council needed to appoint the Judge and Judge Pro-Tem. Judge Nelson was present and asked if the City would have a problem with the Judge Pro-Tem representing someone before the court. After some discussion the Council did not see a problem at this time. Councilman Albritton made a motion to appoint Judge Robert Pirkle as the Municipal Court Judge beginning January 1st, 2002. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fowler and carried by all.

Councilman Albritton made a motion to retain Judge Manson Nelson as Judge ProTem. The motion was seconded by Councilman Fowler and carried by all. Public Works: City Administrator Michael Melton reported he had two items to present to Mayor and Council: 1. Mr. Melton reported a sewage spill from the lift station at Main Street into Sterling Creek. He estimated the spill at around 50,000 gallons. They were able to isolate the spill and pump it all back into the lift station. The EPD, the Health Department and the media were all notified as required. Mr. Melton estimated a 98-99% rate of containment. The station went down because of an electrical malfunction of unknown origin. They are trying to isolate the problem. Mr. Melton recommended the installation of new telemetry at critical locations; the well and large lift stations. This would allow 24-hour monitoring of the systems and possibly prevent future events of this sort. The estimated cost would be $35-$40,000.00 and he suggested it be purchased out of impact fees. Additional stations could be added later. Telemetry was defined as automated electronic monitoring of systems and operations by computer. Councilman Albritton made a motion to authorize the City Manager to investigate and procure a Telemetry system for the well and major lift stations. The motion was seconded by Councilman O’Neil and carried by all.

2. City Administrator Michael Melton stated the State Geologist, Mr. Bill MacLamore, had looked at our pump test data along with GSDS from the lower Florida aquifer well at the treatment plant. He has recommended to Mr. Bill Prechett at EPD to issue us a withdrawal permit for 1,000,000 gallons per day. Parks, Recreation and Culture: Nothing to Report

Planning and Zoning: Nothing to Report

Public Safety: Nothing to Report

Code Enforcement: A written report was submitted as follows: The following is a generalized monthly activity report for October:

Several trash and yard nuisance calls. Junk vehicle removal enforced. Business License Ordinance enforced. Sign Ordinance enforced.

Preservation and Beautification: Nothing to Report Public Relations: Nothing to Report Special Committees: Nothing to Report

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. City Administrator Michael Melton gave an update on the writing of the grant for Sterling Creek.

COMMUNICATIONS: Nothing to Report

NEW BUSINESS: Nothing to Report Councilman Fowler made a motion to recess. Councilman Albritton and carried by all. The motion was seconded by

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 P. M. in a motion by Councilman O’Neil, seconded by Councilman Fowler and carried by all. Respectfully submitted,

Ursula G. Lee City Clerk