BROADCAST VIA FACEBOOK LIVE SITE: CITY OF HIAWASSEE
OPEN TO PUBLIC –
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE HIAWASSEE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, November 13th, 2023 6 PM – Upstairs Training Room
1. Call to order
1.1 Invocation – Anne Mitchell
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
1.3 Mayor’s Introductions of Guests and Announcements
1.4 Approve the Agenda as distributed
2. Consideration and possible approval of City Resolution related to loan
3. Consideration and possible approval of Acknowledge and Consent to Assignment
4. Consideration and possible approval of License Agreement related to loan
5. Consideration and possible approval of Intergovernmental Contract with DDA for loan
6. Consideration and possible approval of Amended Contract with Storm Construction for work on PBC
7. Consideration and possible approval of Management Agreement with DDA for operation of PBC
8. Consideration and possible approval of ratification in whole or part of contract with Source Urbanism
9. Consideration and possible approval of Ordinance to create position of Paris Business Center – Project Manager
10. Discussion of possible appointees for Paris Business Center – Project Manager
11. Establish compensation for Paris Business Center – Project Manager
12. Approve scope and retainer agreement for Dana Miles
13. Consideration of motion to enter into executive session
14. Adjournment
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE HIAWASSEE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA/MINUTES
Monday, November 13th, 2023
The Hiawassee City Council met at a special-called meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023 in the Upstairs Training Room at City Hall. The meeting was broadcast over FaceBook Live and was open to the public. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Liz Ordiales at 6:00pm.
Present in addition to the Mayor were Council members Anne Mitchell, Patsy Owens, Nancy Noblet, Amy Barrett and Jay Chastain. Staff present were Economic Development Director Denise McKay, and City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick. City Attorney Thomas Mitchell attended via telephone.
Mayor Ordiales also welcomed the members of the DDA present, including Chairperson Peggy Gardner, and Council member-elect Jonathan Wilson.
The Invocation was given by Council member Anne Mitchell and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion to approve the agenda as distributed was made by Council member Amy Barrett seconded by Council Member Jay Chastain with all in favor.
Prior to any voting, Council member Jay Chastain read a prepared statement: “This relates to 2 – 8. I am agreeing to these contracts only to protect the City for receipt of grants money, but I don’t approve of how the City has got here. I don’t agree with all the pieces of the project. We were backed into a corner to approve the loan as a result of actions of others and not approved by Council. I’m doing this under duress.” The Mayor asked Attorney Mitchell if it was ok to proceed and he indicated it was.
Motion to approve the City Resolution related to loan was made by Council member Anne Mitchell seconded by Council Member Nancy Noblet with all in favor.
Motion to approve the of Acknowledgement and Consent to Assignment was made by Council member Patsy Owens seconded by Council Member Anne Mitchell with all in favor.
Motion to approve the License Agreement related to loan was made by Council member Amy Barrett seconded by Council Member Patsy Owens with all in favor.
Motion to approve the Intergovernmental Contract with DDA for loan was made by Council member Anne Mitchell seconded by Council Member Amy Barrett with all in favor.
Motion to approve the Amended Contract with Storm Construction for work on PBC was made by Council member Nancy Noblet seconded by Council Member Anne Mitchell with all in favor.
Motion to approve the Management Agreement with DDA for operation of PBC was made by Council member Patsy Owens seconded by Council Member Amy Barrett with all in favor.
Motion to approve the ratification in whole or part of contract with Source Urbanism was made by Council member Anne Mitchell seconded by Council Member Patsy Owens with all in favor.
Motion to approve the Ordinance to create position of Paris Business Center Project Manager was made by Council member Jay Chastain seconded by Council Member Amy Barrett with all in favor.
Motion to discuss possible appointees for Paris Business Center Project Manager was made by Council member Jay Chastain and seconded by Council Member Nancy Noblet. Discussion centered around two potential candidates - Justin Moss and Ron Rayburn. City Attorney Thomas Mitchell said that he had attempted to contact Mr. Moss but was only able to leave a message. Mr. Moss did not return the message. It was learned that he was out of the state at this time. Attorney Mitchell did not contact Mr. Rayburn.
Motion to Establish compensation for Paris Business Center Project Manager was made by Council member Jay Chastain and seconded by Council Member Anne Mitchell. Council member Chastain asked Attorney Mitchell if he had suggestion on what to offer for compensation to the candidate. Attorney Mitchell stated that he thought they would need to speak with the candidate and make an assessment based on skills.
Motion to Approve scope and retainer agreement for Attorney Dana Miles was made by Council member Jay Chastain and seconded by Council Member Amy Barrett. Attorney Mitchell stated that the Council and Mayor had received an email from Attorney Miles this afternoon which outlined his requirements. Attorney Miles will bill the City $400/hour, $200 for travel plus any expenses (mileage, hotel accommodations, etc). Voting in favor were Council members Chastain, Noblet, Barrett and Mitchell. Council member Owens abstained.
There was no executive session.
Prior to the motion to adjourn, Attorney Mitchell advised the Council that he had been asked why the prior meeting was not held in executive session. Attorney Mitchell stated that elected officials are not subject to the same protections as City employees and, as such, the meetings are not subject to closure.
Motion to adjourn was made by Council member Jay Chastain seconded by Council Member Amy Barrett with all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:11 pm