Perry Mayor and Council discusses project updates

Perry Mayor and Council held its monthly work session at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19. These meeting are open to the public, and council encourages all citizens to come out and listen. In Monday’s meeting, project updates, parks and solid waste collection were among the topics of discussion.

Starting off the work session was Community Planner Holly Wharton with Connectivity Working Group’s request to apply for a trail grant, Weleetka Trail is currently receiving estimates and potential designs for trail extension. Likely, a combination of concrete and boardwalk due to wetland and partial funding opportunity through Georgia DNR recreational trails program grant. Wharton spoke on the recreational trails program. They seek to improve outdoor recreational access in local communities across Georgia. Funds can be used for trail construction, signage, trailhead amenities, design and engineering. The grant funding is up to $200,000, 20% matching funds required for city, and pre- application due November 1, 2021.

Engineering Services Manager Chad McMurrian spoke next on the monthly capital project update. There were 57 new updates that were discussed to include the Tucker Road water treatment facility. This facility needs an onsite generator. ESG and staff are working with generator consultant for options. The city has received quotes that also cover a generator at the Hwy 341 well. Also, the water plant on Woodlawn Drive improvements to electrical was discussed. ESG has advised the city of the need for electrical improvements to the 1971 original pump cabinets. Due to the risk of water plant downtime, ESG has advised to wait until the new third water treatment plant is online. ESG is waiting for direction from the city.

Discussed also was Langston Road Regional Pond. The city has established what actions will be required to complete the regional pond. Private property owners currently split it, but staff is working to obtain property. Pond designs have been sent to Kimley-Horn Consultants for review and recommendations. Some project interests are: discussion of potential subdivision 600 acres off saddle creek road and also Jeff Smith parking – discussion with Rick Saunders.

Continuing in the work session, Senior Communications Administrator Tabitha Clark presented the FY 2021 communications office statistics. The mission is to showcase the city of Perry as a premier community. The goal is to keep mayor and council, staff, Perry’s citizens and business, and Perry’s visitors informed and educated while enhancing city visibility and transparency. Their communication channels are the Perry website, media releases, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and a monthly newsletters.

City Manager Lee Gilmour spoke regarding the solid waste collection. The city contacted current solid waste collector for assistance in providing totters for the customers. The city has not been able to have its orders filled in a timely matter. Waste management responded back with a plan to purchase the city’s totters for $280,000 and provide totters as needed. This is beneficial since the waste management is able to obtain totters through bulk purchase and nationwide suppliers, and also this will free up staff from having to track, deliver and pick up totters on a daily basis. Accepting of the waste management offer to take over totter provision and pay the city $280.00 for its existing stock. Shortly after this presentation Mayor Randall Walker gave a motion to adjourn.

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