Perry Fire honors 4 local third graders

PERRY, Ga. — Fire Chief Lee Parker recognized the winners of the 2022 Fire Safety Poster Contest at Tuesday’s city council meeting, adding that while the fire department has fun during the judging process, the winners are always chosen wisely and according to specific criteria.

“We look for a clear message conveyed by the text and the artwork,” Parker said. “We make sure that they have used the assigned theme, which, this year, is, ‘Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape!’

“We do try to teach them while we’re having fun with this poster contest. Also, the creativity, originality and artistic quality is looked at, as well as visual clarity.”

The winners included: Tatum Reddick, winner, The Westfield School; Preslie Carruth, runner-up, The Westfield School; Linley Bowen, honorable mention, Kings Chapel Elementary School; and Annie Gainous, honorable mention, Langston Road Elementary School.

Reddick will receive a pizza party for her class, a ride from her home to school in the fire truck as well as a ride in the upcoming city Christmas parade.

Resident Charles Anderson, who owns property on Commerce Street, came forward to speak out on water dumping onto his property.

“I have received a letter from the city council telling me how much the project is going to cost,” Anderson said.

He added the work completed to mitigate the situation so far is “a good job” on the city’s part.

“I’ve got property in Perry that I want to develop, but I can’t because the city has water dumping on my property,” he said. “So, I need your help.

“I’m not here to argue with anyone. I just need your help to help me get my property in order. The water is coming somewhere from downtown Perry.”

Interim Police Chief Alan Everidge described the possibility of the city to participate in a countywide crime suppression camera system, as outlined by collaborations between local law enforcement agencies.

“We know, like never before, those who choose to violate the law are more mobile than ever,” Everidge said. “We believe the implementation of this system countywide will allow each law enforcement agency to be more efficient and effective, thus making our community safer.”

The county commissioners have planned for the SPLOST to pay for the first four years of operation of the Flock camera systems. Council unanimously approved the request.

City Attorney Brooke Newby brought forward an ordinance and its first reading regarding urban camping.

“In order to promote public health, safety and general welfare of the residents, and to protect our public parks and streets within the city, to address urban camping that’s currently occurring within the city,” Newby said. “[The ordinance] would enact a section titled, ‘Urban Camping and Improper Use of Public Spaces.’”

Newby said it defines ‘camping’ to include occupying or using a public park area, square or parking area for the purposes of living accommodations, sleeping activities or making preparations to sleep, store personal property or other belongings as well as making a fire, among other things. This was the first reading of the ordinance, so council took no voting action.

Newby also addressed the second reading of a PTV ordinance that has been in discussion recently.

“[The ordinance] would allow personal transportation vehicles, or PTVs, or most commonly known as golf carts, to be authorized for use on streets within the city where the speed limit is 25 mph or less,” Newby said.

The ordinance would also establish the requirements for registration permits, state a registration application should be collected and a police inspection take place before issuing a decal in order for the PTV to be operated on city streets. Vehicle standards, required equipment as well as operation regulations are highlighted within the ordinance, all consistent with state law.

Even following the passing of the ordinance, the PTV regulations will not be active until appropriate signage is placed at all respective roadways within the city. Council unanimously approved the ordinance.

Mayor Randall Walker recognized the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, as Small Business Saturday.

During this year’s event downtown, Perry will hold a bingo card activity for visitors to complete by participating in various events throughout the district and making holiday purchases. Those cards can be turned in for a prize.

Alicia Hartley, downtown manager, brought forward a special events application for the Community Tree Lighting event planned to take place on the evening of Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, at 6 p.m.

Council member Joy Peterson recommended the word “Christmas” be included in the event title, and Hartley said she would bring that to the attention of the respective events committee. Council unanimously approved the special events application.

Hartley also recommended Tom Tuggle to serve in a position with the Downtown Development Authority. Council unanimously approved the application.

Robert Smith, assistant city manager, recommended the appointment of Public Works Superintendent Ansley Fitzner to serve as the countywide animal control board.

“Given her oversight of our animal control operations, we feel that would be most appropriate,” Smith said.

Council unanimously approved Fitzner’s appointment.

Council discussed an ordinance to rezone properties along Macon Road between Georgia Avenue Extension and Panther Drive to OI, Office-Institutional District and C-2, General Commercial District with conditions. Council unanimously approved the ordinance.

Lee Gilmour, city manager, brought forward the first reading of an ordinance to amend the FY2022 Operating Budget. Council required no action.

Finance Director Mitchell Worthington recommended the award of two bids for two one-ton service trucks to Phil Brannen Ford of Perry in the amount of $129,482. Council unanimously approved the bids.

Worthington also brought forward information about the previously awarded 1/4-mile walking trail and new playground equipment at Pine Needle Park. The Worrall Foundation donated $35,000 specifically for playground equipment, and SPLOST 2018 would cover the remaining cost of the playground and walking trail upgrades.

Staff received four proposals for the playground equipment, recommending the award go to Great Outdoors Play in the amount of $54,986. This decision was based on a scoring system considering usage for children ages two to 10 years of age, considerations for children with physical and sensory adaptive needs, demonstrated experience on similar projects as well as total price.

Council unanimously approved the motion, with some further considerations involved.

Ansley Fitzner, public works superintendent, said her department has distributed plans to three local landscape contractors for planting trees in the city-owned greenspace between the Stonebridge and Sadie Heights subdivisions.

Council unanimously approved the contract to Dixie Lawn and Landscape in the amount of $11,778, covering materials and installation of nine saucer magnolias, six Natchez crape myrtles, four trident maples, seven allee elms and six Foster’s hollies.

The next council work session will take place on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m., with the pre-council and official council meetings taking place the following day at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend these public meetings.

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