GREENE COUNTY
In a surprise to attendees who reconvened following a separate closed meeting during city council, a formalized process for public comments was announced.
In a press release, the city announced they have formalized a process to institute a two-minute limit for the public to speak and address issues. They assert the formalized procedure will address comments the city feels have been used to publicly attack both the city and city personnel. Several past meetings have had citizens up at the podium addressing salaries, bonuses and employment status of specific personnel, a former bank purchase intended for a new city hall, project dissatisfaction, website deficiencies and more.
Opinions given to Lake Oconee News were of concern that the city is attempting to silence its critics who have used the public platform to express personal viewpoints and concerns, claiming that emails sent on some are not addressed or returned.
Mayor Corey Williams designated city Police Chief Rodricus Monford to serve as timekeeper for comments. It is unknown if a police presence will be seen at upcoming meetings to enforce the adaptation of the process.
They adopted the new procedure, which will cap individual comments to two minutes per speaker, who will be required sign up with the city manager prior to the meeting for permission to speak. Speakers who exceed the two-minute rule will be asked to leave the podium. Of note is the stipulation that the content of public comments be limited to the agenda items cited at each meeting.
In contrast, Greene County Commissioners’ meetings have a five-minute stipulation, and citizen comments are not restricted to particular agenda items.
The project manager for Columbia Engineering of Duluth gave an update on the status of the city’s streetscape project funded by a federal grant. The project aims to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment by connecting downtown businesses, improving aesthetics and making necessary repairs to both the east and west sectors of the city. The project is 2,000 feet long and originates from Greene to Broad streets.
A request from Lake Oconee News to obtain more comment, background or a copy of the PowerPoint presentation was denied by the city’s Economic Development Director, Cail Hammons, who claimed she was instructed to not share any other grant information until a Freedom of Information Act bill presented to the newspaper was paid.
The bill is pending approval while earlier documents received from city grants are reviewed. As of press time, the city has not commented on the statement.
Other agenda items included approval of the continuation of the city’s involvement and contract with Family Connection, an organization that aims to improve child and family well-being in the community.
Council members Chris Moore and Morris Miller were recognized for awards received from the Georgia Municipal Association for participation throughout the years for the city.