Our August 14th City Council meeting began with recognizing some special people in our community. This month, we recognized Ms. Carol Hansley as our Sweet Onion Citizen. Ms. Hansley has served our community in various ways throughout her life and possesses the remarkable traits we try to shine a light on through this monthly recognition. Additionally, we had the privilege of honoring two state championship teams from the Vidalia Recreation Department. Our 10U and 8U girls’ softball teams were in attendance and proclamations were presented to both teams and coaches for their outstanding accomplishments during the summer.
During our public comments portion of the meeting, Mr. Bernie Nelson addressed the council with concerns about recent drug and gang activity, as well as staffing concerns within our police and fire departments. Please know our council and department heads are aware of these same concerns from citizens and are working diligently to address these warranted concerns.
Other items on the agenda included the following:
- Upgrades to the Community Center were approved with a not to exceed bid of $55,000 for a vent and hood system. This will directly impact our elderly population that are served there through Action Pact and allow them to prepare and serve meals on site versus having the meals prepared and delivered.
- Our Streets and Sanitation Committee recommended a public hearing regarding leaf and limb pick up in our O/R zoned areas. This item was approved and more information will be distributed to the public with a goal of holding this public hearing later this month or the first of September.
- Council approved resolution #23-011 regarding amendments to city ordinance appendix A, mini-storage warehouses. This resolution states properties with mini-storage units prior to the ordinance change will be grandfathered in and ensures them no loss of investment pertaining to their property.
- Engineering services and grant administration services pertaining to our Vidalia Regional Sports Complex, located on Ezra Taylor Road, were approved. This grant will allow us to renovate the existing complex and bring substantial improvements to our Recreation Department facilities.
- Other items approved were replacing the air conditioner at our ESG Office ($4,653.00) and two public work trucks ($35,890 each). These purchases were SPLOST expenditures and approved in our 2023 budget.
Our next regular scheduled meeting is September 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. It is a pleasure to serve our community and please feel free to reach out with any question, comment or concern.
