At the work session Monday, the Perry City Council discussed a possible change involving the landscaping downtown. This would include the hanging baskets and plant changes that take place throughout the year.
“The city will provide the baskets to the nursery and the nursery will replace the plants. The baskets will then be delivered and the city staff will hang the baskets,” said Lee Gilmour, city manager.
Baskets will contain plants that are fully bloomed.
This project in the beginning will cost $6,180. Once the one-time purchase of baskets are made, the price will drop down to $4,800. This includes replanting baskets for two seasons and the delivery. There will be an estimated savings of $7,884.
In other business, the council voted to proceed with making amendments to Sec 3-109 and allow a special event alcoholic beverage permit license. This would allow alcoholic beverage permit holders licensed by a local government in Georgia to be eligible. Under current city regulations, if a business in Perry already has an alcohol license but wants to use a different service not within the city limits, it cannot.
Mayor Jimmy Faircloth said, “I am all for locals, but I am purposing a solution for when the local don’t want to participate.”
The council is going to take this ordinance amendment to its attorney to get recommendations.
The council also determined that the Jaycee building was not a high priority on its list of city issues. In order to allow larger groups to use the building, Gilmour said major upgrades would have to occur. The restrooms and air conditioning unit would be the first improvements that need to be made.
“At some point we do need to discuss the use for it,” stated council member Joe Posey.
The biggest issue once again was the issue of water system improvements.
“We have to make sure we have adequate water supply,” said Gilmour. “If we are going to continue to grow we are going to have to provide this.”
Based on Constantine Engineering’s recommendations, the council will install two MGD rated pumps and motors in wells 1 and 2, and proceed with short-term priority listing. In total this would cost $1,650,000. Determining a new location for a new plant and wells would also be something that would be considered.
“The North East Quadrant is the area that is growing the fastest. I think another well should go there. We need to just pick a general area for now,” stated Mike Beecham, director of community development.
SPLOST money would be used to pay for the first items on the list.
Council members, feeling they were not left with much of a choice, agreed to proceed with this issue.
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