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Politics & Government

Winder to Purchase New SUVs for Police Department

A recap of the Winder City Council business meeting Tuesday.

Who Met: Winder City Council

Where: Winder Community Center

When: Tuesday, August 2, at 6:00 p.m.

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Who was present: Council Members Frank Dunagan, David Maynard, Charlie Eberhart, Ridley Parrish, Sonny Morris and Bob Dixon; Mayor George “Chip” Thompson III; City Clerk Sabrina Wall; City Employee Ambrose Jackson; and City Administrator Donald Toms;

Top Agenda Items:

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New SUVs for Winder Police Department

The council voted unanimously to purchase the vehicles during Tuesday’s business meeting.

City Administrator Donald Toms stated that Winder residents would see two new Chevy Tahoes on the Winder Police Department fleet within six weeks.

The vehicles will cost the city approximately $36,000 and will provide more space, visibility and response time in comparison to the vehicles currently used by the department. This purchase is a part of an equipment replacement program that Toms wants to set in place to keep the city’s fleet up to date.

Jackson Street/City Hall Design Project

The council voted unanimously to move ahead with the City Planning Department’s plan to realign Laura Street.

The project will replace curbs and gutters along East Athens Street as well as add green space to the area behind city hall and restructure the dumpster area. The project will cost the city $59,208, not including labor.

City Administrator Donald Toms said that Winder residents may see the project begin as early as mid-September.

Paying off of Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Loans

The council voted to pay off two loans that have high interest rates and will financially benefit the city if paid off this fiscal year.

One from April 1997 has a balance of $177,304 and will save the city $25,042 in interest. The other is from March 1992, has a balance of $31,429 and will save the city $355.

“I’m glad we’re in a position to be able to do this,” explained Winder Mayor Chip Thompson.

Appointment of City Election Superintendent

The council voted unanimously to appoint City Clerk Sabrina Wall as Winder’s Election Superintendent. Thompson said election responsibilities will still fall on the county but the city is required to have a superintendent in position. Wall recently passed her certification exam for the position.

WTV 21 Studio Rental Rates

The council approved a schedule of rates for rental of the city’s television studio and lighting equipment. Toms explained that there has been interest in renting the space in the past, but without a schedule accommodations could not be met. The studio will be rented out at the discretion of the studio’s manager and/or the City Administrator. With a refundable $250 damage deposit, the studio can be rented for $50/hour for space only or $75/hour including a lighting grid.

Sale of Surplus Items

The council voted to sell city surplus items including 11 out of commission vehicles and 2 motors. The sale will capitalize on the value remaining in the items as well as contribute to the clean-up of city properties.

Television Coverage of City Council Work Sessions

The council voted to allow WTV 21 to broadcast their City Council Work session meetings. Coverage of the work sessions will begin in October and is meant to bring more information to Winder residents concerning the issues voted on during the business meetings, which are already covered.

The Winder City Council will next meet at 5:30 p.m., at the , on Monday, Sept. 12.

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