The City of Homeland gathered on Thursday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m. for its regular monthly meeting with all members present.
The council approved the February 9 meeting minutes and the February financial report.
Under committee and department updates, the Police Department, Water Department, Cemetery, Parks and Recreation and Streets and Sanitation are doing well. There were no updates for the Fire Department, the Clean Community Board nor the Development Authority.
Under old business, City Clerk Arminda Durrance informed the council that she found additional grant money to buy safety equipment. She has also been undergoing many safety courses, which will also help for insurance purposes.
The previously planned-for May Day Celebration has been moved to June 10 due to the tight scheduling. It will be in the park from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Durrance has been talking to and scheduling vendors, with a special thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for providing a vendor list. She was to talk with sponsors on Monday.
Council member Lisa Nettles confirmed that there will be a few police officers present to maintain peace.
Nettles also updated the council on the direct deposit. The deposit is mostly done and will soon be submitted to their bank.
Last month, the city collected LMIG funds of $33,000 for the milling of East Hazel, South Hazel, West Hazel and Chesnutt. The city’s match was used as an equivalent in labor.
For the CDBG (Housing Improvement Grant), there was a community meeting and application intake on Tuesday at the City Hall. The application is for the areas of Maple Street (N), Dogwood Drive (E), Central Avenue (S) and Walnut Street (W).
The CDBG is to help improve items such as plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, roofing and much more. The city is to apply for $1,250,000, but they first need enough applicants. The council discussed possibly widening the area in order to gain more. Mayor L.C. Guinn has given out information to the residents in the current area.
Nettles also mentioned that they needed to amend the motion from last month’s executive session regarding pay increase being retroactive back to January 1.
Under new business, the mayor explained that they will undergo an audit soon and need to update their computer system since it is not GBI certified. The council approved a program called IT in a Box at a cost of $938.53 per month. Durrance explained they can use grant money to pay for the program and can most likely get most of the cost reimbursed.
Under other considerations, Council member Delbert Shelton suggested Ouida Johnson, citizen and former mayor, fill the council’s vacant spot. Council member Mark Williams then suggested citizen Brian Lloyd. The council supported both suggestions.
Also, Lloyd has been in contact with the owner of two lots near the park. The owner is willing to donate the lots as long as his father, the late James Williams, is honored. The council approved the motion.
Under public comments, the council and citizen Mary Nettles discussed the possibility of train derailments and Dogwood as an evacuation route.
The council adjourned at 7:32 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for April 20 at 7:00 p.m.
