Mayor Pro Tem Jacqueline Roberts called the meeting to order on Monday evening, March 08, 2021. She then led the assembly in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
– Mayor Pro Tem Roberts welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Roberts stated that the Splost VI, T-Splost, and Golf reports are all available for review for anyone wishing to view or receive a copy.
– Mayor Pro Tem Roberts thanked all the “Street Captains” for keeping the streets of Tallapoosa free of litter.
– Mayor Pro Tem Roberts thanked all the city residents who are displaying an American Flag at their home and showing their support of Veterans by displaying a green outside light and their support of the police and first responders by having a blue outside light.
– Mayor Pro Tem Roberts asked all residents to remember to roll their garbage cans out for pick up the night before your pick up day each week. Residents were also asked to please remember to roll their carts back to their proper storage location after pick up. The City has appointed a Tallapoosa Police Officer to act as City Marshall to address this and other similar types of violations.
– Mayor Pro Tem Roberts reminded everyone to call City Hall to be put on the Brush and Limb Pick Up list. If your location is not on the list, the contractor will not know to come down your street. Residents were reminded to cut limbs in no longer than 4 feet lengths and to separate the limbs from the brush when possible. Pick up day is Thursday.
– Mayor Pro Tem Roberts introduced a group attending the meeting representing the Haralson Recovery Community Organization (RCO.) Mr. Steve Ward retired Vice President and Plant Manager of Honda Precision Parts of Georgia LLC spoke first from the group. Although not originally from Georgia, Mr. Ward has made his home here for 16 years. RCO has become a part of the Healthy Haralson Coalition now reporting 150 members. They are involved in the Substance Misuse Task Force. Mr. Ward stated that RCO was 18 to 24 months in creation and is a 501c3 organization. He stressed that RCO is not a Detoxification or Rehabilitation group but concentrates on Long-Term recovery. This group tries to address the problem with individuals who have completed their detox and rehab programs and are then just released back into society without support, many times to resume the same abusive lifestyle. The group visited the Living Proof long term recovery program in Rome, Georgia during their research of the topic. RCO welcomes all types of recovery whether that be from opioids or alcohol or other additive issues. They started having meetings in the old Union Hall on Odessa Street here in Tallapoosa. The first meeting was Saturday, November 7, 2020. They have between 12 and 29 individuals to attend. They would like to purchase a building for a permanent meeting place and they are trying to partner with other groups. Ms. Sandie Shackelford from the Healthy Haralson Tanner Group then spoke. She stated that when individuals are required by court order to attend a long term recovery program, there is no option for that in Haralson County. RCO is trying to address that deficiency. The meetings are all peer led and are overseen by individuals certified by the Georgia Behavioral Health Organization. Ms. Shackelford gave the statistic of 97% of all incarcerations in the Haralson County jail involve some drug related charge. She stated that this organization takes an “All Pathways” approach to recovery including the 12-Step Program, Faith Based Programs, Meditation, etc. Mayor Pro Tem Roberts asked if RCO works with the Court System so that RCO is ready to accept individuals once released by the courts. Ms. Shackelford stated that their organization plans to be there prior to release by the courts. They plan to have already offered counseling and to assist in making a plan for action after release by the courts. They are working with the West Georgia Technical College through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA.) The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded program. WIOA funds are available for dislocated workers and low income individuals. The funds are to be utilized to assist disadvantaged citizens in obtaining sustainable employment. Ms. Shackelford added that RCO is working with the drug courts and Sherriff’s office. She said that everyone is touched by substance abuse. She said their purpose in coming was to ask for help in their efforts. Ms. Jennifer Dobbs added another statistic which is that 85% of children in Foster Care in Haralson County are there because of something to do with drugs. In their facility they envision having a visitation room for families. They would like to provide Day Care and provide the opportunity for Foster children to visit with a Behavioral Health Professional. Ms. Shackelford stated the reason they requsted to address the Council was to ask for the City’s help and partnership. She said that they need community support in the form of money without which they will not quality for additional funding. For 2021, they are asking for $3,500.00 to help fund one-half the year and for 2022, they would like to have $7,000.00 for a full years funding. They are visiting each city in Haralson County and with the County Commission. Ms. Shackelford said that RCO can quality for more funding if they can show that they have local support. Mayor Pro Tem Roberts agreed that this is a good program. Council Member Jonathan James gave Ms. Shackelford a contact at the West Georgia College who can offer help with non-profit information. Mr. Ward concluded the group’s presentation by stating that programs like they are trying to start do not succeed without community involvement. He said some of the benefits of the program would be reduced crime in Haralson County and it would have a positive impact on the school system and a positive influence on Foster Care.
– The Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members were treated to their first look at the new City of Tallapoosa website. Mr. Rene’ Gonzalez and Ms. Lisa Gray of Alex Media, who are the designers of the new site, went through the features and options offered on the site. The Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members were very excited to see the new site, and it is expected the City will go live with the new Website within the next month.
– The Council passed a Motion to approve two new members to the Library Board. The new members are Ms. Taylor Ellis and Ms. JoAnne Sporri. They will each serve for a term of 3 years.
-The Council passed a Motion to approve the Financial Report for February 2021 as given by Financial Manager Melissa Chandler.
-As part of the City Manager’s Report, City Manager Philip Edison reported that the tree trimming project downtown is complete.
-City Planner Patrick Clarey gave the Planning Report. On the TE Grant, the City had a bid opening and after reviewing the bids submitted realized there is only enough funding to do approximately 50% of the project. The City will be reviewing the total project to see what parts of it cam be done. Since the City was not able to have paving associated with the LMIG Grant done last year, that project will be done this year. The City will be paving in District 3. The City is looking to do paving or partial paving on 8 streets and re-stripping on 18 streets. The 2021 LMIG paving will also be done this year and will be in District 4 and will include 4 streets. Mayor Pro Tem Roberts asked if the re-stripping would include Head Avenue but she was told it not would not since it was re-stripped about 2 years ago. Ms. Roberts indicated that she had had a complaint about a section of Head Avenue’s stripping. The Council discussed the issue with big trucks trying to park on the section of Head Avenue between U. S Highway 78 and Lyons Street. Ms. Roberts stated that the City may have to put a sign up prohibiting parking vehicles over a certain length.
– City Manager Philip Eidson stated that some Citations were being issued by the City Marshall.
– City Manager Philip Eidson reported that the City will be purchasing Chrysler Dodge Police Vehicles in their next round of purchases.
– The Mayor Pro Tem and Council Members decided to go ahead with the July 4th Fireworks this year. Since the 4th of July is on a Sunday, the fireworks will be shot on Saturday night, July 3rd, 2021.
– City Manager Philip Eidson stated there has been some vandalism at the City Cemetery. The City has installed cameras to try and catch the offenders. The City will be looking at putting a notice with the Utility Bills letting cemetery plot owners know that the City cannot be held responsible for damage done to grave stones by the mowing crew.
– City Manager Philip Eidson stated that the City will be doing some work at the Ball Park. They will be working on the fencing, score booths, and fields.
– The Tallapoosa Historical Society has decided to have the Dogwood Festival this year. And the Lions Club will be having their annual 5K Walk/Run as well. However, the Historical Society decided against having the Dogwood Festival Parade this year.
– Meeting adjourned.
REMINDER:
The Lobby at City Hall is closed but payments can be made by using the “drop box” in front of city hall or online at www.tallapoosaga.gov or by calling the dedicated phone number of 1-855-608-2479.
JOB NOTICE
THE CITY OF TALLAPOOSA IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF CITY CLERK. THIS POSITION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SERVING AS CUSTODIAN OF ALL LEGAL DOCUMENTS FOR THE CITY, FOR PERFORMING HUMAN RESOURCE FUNCTIONS, FOR MAINTAINING THE UTILITY BILLING SYSTEM, FOR MAINTAINING THE PROPERTY TAX BILLING SYSTEM. THIS POSITION CROSS TRAINS WITH THE FINANCIAL MANAGER, AND PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR THE CITY MANAGER AND VARIOUS DEPARTMENT HEADS. QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENT, BACCALAUREATE DEGREE IN APPLICABLE STUDY, AND THREE TO FIVE YEARS EXPERIENCE IN SIMILAR POSITION PREFERABLE. MUST BE PREPARED TO ATTEND REQUIRED TRAINING TO OBTAIN CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERK STATUS. APPLICATION PROCESS CLOSES MAY 31, 2021.
PLEASE APPLY AT CITY HALL. THE CITY OF TALLAPOOSA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.