Soperton City Council Considers Safety Related Proposals
During a back-to-back Work Session Meeting and Regular Council Meeting on September 8, Soperton Mayor John Koon and City Council heard from two community departments as they presented funding proposals for safety equipment and firefighter coverage.
Soperton/ Treutlen County Fire Chief John Johnson spoke to the council about the possibility of retaining three firefighter positions through the end of the year although the federal grant money that funds those salaries ends October 31. Johnson pointed out the department would need local funds from the city to cover the extension of these paid positions. These positions provide 24-hour coverage as each firefighter mans an 8-hour shift. According to Johnson, 'Losing this coverage will create a tremendous void in an already thin manpower situation and will certainly lead to a delayed response for calls of service going forward.” Johnson presented the council with five written funding proposal scenarios for consideration.
EMA Director Justin McNure spoke to the council about the purchase of an aerial drone that would be used in a variety of ways including search and rescues, police foot chases, and assessing fire/smoke walls. McNure stated, “Although the drone would be housed at the EMA office this piece of safety-equipment can be utilized through multiple departments.”
The expected total cost for the drone project is $25,248.40. McNure provided three written proposals for purchasing the drones and after discussing the drone capabilities, operator training and operating costs council approved using $12,624.20 of SPLOST fund money to pay for half the cost of the drone project. Mayor Koon stated, “Using these funds would not put any cost on the taxpayer.” The mayor noted approval for the City funding is based on the stipulation that the County will agree to pay one half of the cost.
The Council approved payment for the remaining balance of $1,572,881.40 to Herzog and Thompson for Hurricane Helene debris cleanup.
An emergency work declaration for the Tiger Creek Project was discussed and approved allowing the bidding process to begin. The city in partnership with Natural Resources Conservation Service will continue to address the creek’s drainage basin issue until corrected.
City Attorney Paul Calhoun did a second reading of the proposed city truck routes and stated the list of the routes is available for viewing during office hours at City Hall. The third reading will be at the council’s informational public meeting on September 25 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Soperton citizen Al Harden requested the city’s help in removing two low hanging cable wires on Alabama Ave. Mr. Harden said he and others had contacted the company Truvista over two months ago but nothing has been done. Mayor Koon said that though the city could not do anything about the actual removal of the hanging wires, he would make a phone call to Truvista to see how the issue can be resolved. Soperton businessman Gobal Patel asked for and was given approval for a business license for the 221 C Store.
Two new council members were recognized by Mayor Koon and welcomed to the city council. Kendra Madison Harswell and Andrew W. Simmons. Harswell will represent District 1 replacing outgoing Councilman Izell Stephens. Simmons will be representing District 3 replacing outgoing Councilman Wade Clark. The council’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be October 6 at 6:00 p.m.
