Perry Council discusses COVID-19 precautions

On Tuesday, December 5, The Perry Council held there first meeting of the New Year at the Perry Arts Center. The Pre-Council meeting began promptly at 5 p.m.

Due to the increased effects of COVID-19 in Perry, the council, under the recommendation of City Manager Lee Gilmour, has decided to take measures to reduce the spread of the virus. The first of these changes would be the start time of youth basketball programs in Perry. On this matter, Gilmour stated, “It would be administration’s recommendation that the basketball program be postponed until February.” However, this was not the full extent of changes made.

Gilmour also recommended that city customer services be closed for general public access. “People still can come in by appointment to come in and be served.” Additionally, utility payments can be paid remotely, via JACK (the no-contact kiosk for utility payments), or mail.

According to these recommendations, council meetings would also no longer be available to the public, at least, in person. Participating in these meeting would be strictly through social medias, such as Facebook.

Staff meetings would be reduced to only those that were absolutely necessary, and all public hearings will be postponed.

These conditions will remain in effect at least until the beginning of February, but the actual end date of these conditions is strictly based off of COVID numbers in the City of Perry.

When speaking to other members of the council, Mayor Randall Walker added, “This is consistent with what the other two cities are doing in the county. I have been made aware by the base commander that a number of restrictions are being applied [at Robins Air Force Base] as well to address the increase of numbers.”

These recommendations received unanimous concurrence from the council.

Also on the agenda was the celebration of four officers on the Perry Police Department (PPD). Two of these officers, Chad Storm and Thomas Archie, have just recently joined the PPD, and were presented to the council by Chief Stephen Lynn. In recognition of them, Mayor Walker said, “We are delighted that you have chosen the Perry force to start your careers and to continue your careers. We’re delighted to have you here, I think you’ve made a very good decision. We have an outstanding force, and I’m sure that you guys will add to that.”

The other two members of the PPD recognized at Tuesday’s meeting were both department employees who were being celebrated for 25 years of service. Firstly, Officer Brian Emmons was recognized for his service. He was presented to the council by Major William “Bill” Phelps, Patrol Commander, who thanked Lieutenant Emmons for his dedicated service.

Secondly, Gail Price was celebrated for her 25 years of service to the PPD. She was presented to the council by Captain Heath Dykes, Criminal Investigation Division, who also thanked her for her 25 years of dedicated service.

Both of these PPD members were presented with 25-year pins by Mayor Walker.

After working through a long agenda of old and new business, the meeting adjourned.

HHJ News