WR receives funds for development

The last mayor and city council meeting of Warner Robins for 2020 took place via Zoom conference that was shared through a Facebook Live link for everyone to observe the agenda carried out. The council started off on a high and positive note by passing the resolution of the Mid-State Energy Commission Intergovernmental Agreement and several key employee promotions. 

Councilman Kevin Lashley led the resolution of the Amendment of the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) 2020 – 2024 Consolidated Plan and use of the CDBG-CV-19 Funding of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The resolution states that the city of Warner Robins “will receive additional funds to the PY2020 CDBG Program in the amount of $472,188 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the CARES Act.” The funds will be used for various needs including: public facility improvements by providing a kiosk for citizens to take care of utility payments, program administration to administer proper PPE, and organize assistance in place to prevent homelessness in the city.

Mayor Randy Toms commented that he believes, “a lot of people are going to see a big difference in their lives because of this.” He went on to point out that this is an addition to the $1.2 million that has already come through the CDBG. After thanking Sherri Windham, the community development director, and her staff for their tireless work in getting the grant, he expressed how monumental the change will be for the city, saying, “This is going to reach out to a lot of different people and help,” specifically noting how excited he will be about the kiosk that will make utility payments much more convenient for the citizens.

In other business, the mayor and city council went on to review the resolution of lining the term of appointment to be consistent with the bylaws of O.C.G.A 36-62-4 for Robbin Gosline and Larry Curtis. Curtis soon pointed out that Renotto Solomon, a member of the development board, was absent from the list and raised the question as to why. Toms revealed that he was waiting for confirmation from Gary Lee, Director of the Redevelopment Agency, on the address of Solomon before moving forward. 

According to the bylaws, a qualification for all directors of the Developmental Authority is that they must “reside in the county or municipal corporation for which the authority is created.” Councilman Charlie Bibb and Toms brought attention to hearing from several people that Solomon did not, in fact, reside in the county, and was soon challenged by Lee, who joined the conference call.

Lee insisted that the only address he has ever known of Solomon was that on Suzanne Drive in Warner Robins. Hearing him out and wanting to move forward, the mayor and council all agreed to review adding Solomon’s name to the second reading in January’s meeting after confirming the information with all parties.

Next on the agenda was negotiating the contract with ESG Operations for the gas contract. According to their official website, “ESG Operations is recognized as the fastest growing utility operations and public works management company. They provide full-service operation, maintenance, management, and consulting services to the government and private sector across the Southeast.”

Toms further explained the contract by addressing the issues they are having with the PSC due to the difficulties of hiring and keeping the newly hired employees after training. Currently, a common trend among new-hires is leaving to other companies due to competitive pay.

“So ESG is going to bring them in at a higher pay than we can and they’re going to be able to compete in that world whereas we can’t do that as far as compliance goes,” Toms enlightened. “When you fall out of compliance, you’re going to look at some fines from the PSC.” He concluded that the “PSC is really excited that we’re going to partner with ESG.”

In closing remarks, Councilman Keith Lauristen commended the schools for their dedication and innovation of this new school year. All council members implored citizens to be safe during the holidays and the meeting was adjourned.

HHJ News