Group recognized for efforts handling near-death event

PERRY, Ga. — Fire Chief Lee Parker highlighted a handful of individuals at Tuesday’s meeting of mayor and council, recognizing their efforts with Life Save Awards following a recent, almost tragic event.

“About a month ago, there was an event that took place at the Planet Fitness gym,” Parker said. “A young lady collapsed, and one of our off-duty lieutenants and his son were right there on the scene when the event took place and were able to give CPR.”

Fire Lieutenant Gerald Michel and his son D’Andre Brisson — who is also a full-time Clayton County firefighter — took to action providing CPR after recognizing the patient’s no pulse or breathing. He said a gym employee, Tiffiny Fernandez, retrieved an AED and administered aid as well, and they were able to eventually feel a pulse again following two shocks from the device.

Perry Fire and Emergency Services was on scene to provide care until EMS arrived.

Awards were given to Tiffiny Fernandez, Gerald Michel, D’Andre Brisson and Firefighter Greg Burger. Assistant Chief Kirk Crumpton served as the on-scene commander at the event, responding in his vehicle and directing some actions involved.

Janet Shoenfelt, the person that collapsed at the gym, spoke at the meeting, saying that some doctors she consulted with following the incident agreed that she “was almost a miracle.”

“There’s not enough words from me, from my husband, John, to thank you for what you did that day,” she said. “It truly was a miracle, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’re part of me now, and I’ll never forget what you did that day.”

Mayor and council held their final hearing about revising the millage rate, going on to unanimously approve the change from 14.05 mills to 14 mills.

City Manager Lee Gilmour recommended to waive water fees for New Haven residents considering there were two main breaks during the last billing period. The recommendation was approved unanimously, pending additional review from the city attorney.

The city approved the purchasing of five new police vehicles for the price of $38,973 per unit.

Interim Police Chief Alan Everidge said there were around 640 warnings sent out over the first month of speed camera use regarding traffic near Perry High, Morningside Elementary, Tucker Elementary and Mossy Creek schools. These warnings involved speeds of at least 14 miles per hour over the limit.

One resident had a complaint about the relatively new intersection near the Ace Hardware, saying he has almost been hit head-on twice recently. Before the meeting that night, city personnel contacted the Georgia Department of Transportation, the organization overseeing that intersection, and addressed the concerns. In addition to their efforts, the City of Perry will install a “right-turn only” sign on WF Ragin Drive on the city’s right-of-way.

Community Planner Holly Wharton said the city applied for an award for the Georgia Association of Zoning Administrators, putting forth the city’s sewer master plan. The city received this award, and Wharton recognized Burke Murph — planning principal with Georgia Water and Environmental Services — since Murph’s team played a significant role in putting together that master plan.

The city voted to reject a bid for work to complete a sidewalk project along and near Hampton Court. They would re-bid in hopes of receiving a lower price for the project’s work.

Council member Phyllis Bynum-Grace said for school students and adults to send in their interpretations of the next Black History Month banners to be potentially displayed in February.

The guaranteed maximum price for the new city hall project will be $2,389,469, subject to some additional review by the city attorney. 

Assistant City Manager Robert Smith said the city plans to remove Water Plant #1, but some environmental remediation will be required since there is some asbestos and lead-based paint within the facility. The council unanimously approved the remediation efforts.

Smith also said the state has $400,000,000 available to communities statewide with growing populations and goals involving drinking water projects. Two local projects would include elevated storage tanks west of I-75 and upgrades to existing pump stations in the Woodlawn Water Plant. The total project cost would be $8,885,000, and he recommended the city to match 30%. The city has a Friday deadline to submit an application, and council approved the project requests unanimously.

The city has received two bids for some sidewalk work downtown, and staff recommended awarding the project to CNS Construction in the amount of $167,010.90. Council approved the bid unanimously.

Administration recommended, based on a request from the Perry-Houston County Airport Authority, that the city remove some trees becoming a hazard to incoming and outgoing air traffic. The city unanimously approved a motion to remove the trees at the cost of the Authority.

Eight police vehicles were approved as surplus following their replacement with new versions.

Fire Chief Lee Parker said the mutual aid agreement for police and fire protection between Perry and Peach County has expired. Council approved the new agreement unanimously.

Sedrick Swan, leisure services director, said his department received a state grant of $10,000, with these funds to support after-school tutoring efforts.

Wharton brought forward an annexation and rezoning request from R-AG to R-1 for property at 111 Hill Road.

One resident spoke in opposition of the request, saying he was curious what the acreage would be used for since it could affect his personal property value since he lives nearby. Another resident living near the mentioned property said some there has been some flooding issues lately, and the city should consider upgrading the pipes.

A special exception request was brought forward regarding a short-term rental property at 131 Parkview Grove (unanimously approved).

Another rezoning request involved a potential change from MUC to M-1 for property at 111 Kellwood Drive.

The City of Perry requested text amendment to the land management ordinance to create separate single-family and multi-family residential districts and regulations for flag lots.

Another rezoning request from the City of Perry involved text amendments to the land management ordinance to create processes for closing out development projects and final plats as well as providing for maintenance and performance sureties.

Finance Director Mitchell Worthington recognized two new hires: Chrysta Hayes, a customer service technician, as well as Tina Holland, an accountant.

The next work session will take place on Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. On Sept. 20, the pre-council meeting will take place at 5 p.m., and the council meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

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