City Council Meeting November 2, 2020 Regular Session

OTHERS PRESENT: Mike Ready, Art Vinson, Lyn Pace

1.    The meeting was called to order by the Hon. David Eady, Mayor.

2.    Invocation – Lyn Pace (Oxford College).

3.    Pledge of Allegiance.

4.    A motion was made by Jeff Wearing to accept the Agenda for November 2, 2020.  Laura McCanless seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously (7/0).  (Attachment A)

5.    A motion was made by Jeff Wearing to accept the Consent Agenda for November 2, 2020.  Laura McCanless seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously (7/0).   (Attachment B)

6.    Mayor’s Report

Mayor Eady announced that the City of Oxford would be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on November 10^th in the Community Room at City Hall.  He also announced that the City will begin conducting interviews soon to fill the Administrative Clerk position that has been vacant since Angela Pilgrim left.

7.    Planning Commission Recommendations/Petitions

None.

8.    Citizen Concerns

None.

9.    Second Reading and Adoption to Amend Chapter 38 – Vegetation (Attachment C)

Mayor Eady presented the second reading of an amendment to the City of Oxford Code of Ordinances stating that only native vegetation will be used on City properties.  A motion was made by Laura McCanless to approve adoption of the amendment.  Jeff Wearing seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously (7/0).

10. Second Reading and Adoption to Amend Sec. 8-124. Non licensed sales (Attachment D)

Mayor Eady presented the second reading of an amendment to the City of Oxford Code of Ordinances to expand the types of items which can be sold by vendors at the City’s Farmer’s Market.  A motion was made by Jeff Wearing to approve adoption of the amendment.  Avis Williams seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously (7/0).

11. Resolution to Adopt Native Planting Lists (Attachment E)

The amended ordinance adopted in this meeting provides for the identification of approved and prohibited native plants on City properties by adoption of a resolution by the City Council.  This resolution includes the list.  A motion was made by Jim Windham to approve the resolution.  Lynn Bohanan seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously (7/0).

12. MEAG Power Purchase Agreement (Attachment F)

Each year the City of Oxford has a shortfall in the reserve and supplemental electric capacity that is required pursuant to its contract with the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG).  This year the City of Oxford will need to purchase 426 KW to meet its required reserve capacity for 2021, and 634 KW to meet its supplemental capacity needs for 2021.  The City of Monroe has offered to sell the capacity required to the City of Oxford for $6,360. 

George Holt asked why the market cost per KW hour increased so much compared to last year’s purchase from the City of Sandersville.  Mayor Eady stated the City was advised that the days of the type of market prices from last year are long gone.  

Jeff Wearing asked if the higher market prices have anything to do with Plant Vogtle coming online.  Mayor Eady stated he does not have that information, he just knows that a number of factors determine the market rate, including the availability and source of the power.  He also stated that the City is looking to purchase additional solar activity for a twenty (20) year term so that it does not have a shortage each year. 

James Windham stated the availability may be driven by the decommissioning of coal plants.  Mayor Eady added that the solar capacity is not yet online which could be driving the availability.

A motion was made by Jeff Wearing to approve the MEAG Power Purchase Agreement.  George Holt seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously (7/0).

13. Invoices (Attachment G)

The Council reviewed the invoices paid by the City of Oxford for $1,000 or more in October 2020.

James Windham asked if the invoices shown for Jordan Engineering are for the right-of-way survey, or for other jobs.  Matt Pepper advised they are other unrelated jobs.  Mr. Windham asked what other projects are planned for them to complete other than the right-of-way survey. 

Mr. Pepper advised nothing else has been committed, but he and Jody Reid have been reviewing an item in the Capital Budget to replace an old section of water main in the Queen Anne Street/Stone Street area that has some Transite pipe in it.  This item has been in the budget for a few years.  Since a decision has been made to pursue the grant for the Oxford Road water main, they thought this may be a good time to complete that project.  Jordan Engineering would be involved in doing some minor engineering work for that project.

Mr. Windham asked what chemical was used on the kudzu treatment.  Mayor Eady advised they used the generic equivalent of Roundup at ¼ strength on the grass on the trail, and at full strength on the kudzu.  Mr. Windham asked why grass was being sprayed.  Laura McCanless stated there is Japanese stiltgrass on the trail is an invasive species.  She has walked the trail and stated it appeared the ¼ strength worked on the grass.

Mr. Windham asked if these contractors are required to have the same type of liability insurance as other contractors and if they are wearing protective gear when they spray chemicals.  Mayor Eady stated that as a matter of policy, he believes all City of Oxford contracts include these provisions.  Matt Pepper stated he would verify this.

Mr. Windham asked if the Moore Street sidewalk is complete since the vendor received his final draw.  Matt Pepper confirmed that this project is complete.

14. Executive Session

The Council entered executive session at 7:27 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter.  The Council exited executive session at 8:42 p.m.

15. Adjourn

A motion was made by George Holt to adjourn at 8:43 p.m.  Jeff Wearing seconded the motion.  The motion carried unanimously (7/0).

Respectfully Submitted,

Marcia Brooks
City Clerk/Treasurer