Sparks considers using COVID relief to pay one water bill for each resident

The Regular Meeting of the City of Sparks City Council was held on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at 7 p.m. The following members were present: Councilman Chris Cheatum, Councilman Lamar Sutton, Councilman Fenley Castleberry, Councilman Will Pewee, Councilman Sam Wilson, and Councilman Harold Johnson. Mayor Earl Jackson was not present.

Councilman Chris Cheatum called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Police Chief Bob Myers gave the invocation.

Approval of minutes

Councilman Castleberry made a motion to approve the July 18, 2022, minutes. Councilman Wilson seconded the motion. The motion passed. Councilman Pewee motioned to approve the July 21, 2022, meeting minutes, and Councilman Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Departmental Reports

Public Works: Public Works Superintendent Antoyo Tucker reported that speed bumps on Virginia Avenue and 4th Street have been completed.

Tucker also informed that due to the amount of debris, the cost for the street sweeper services will remain the same as last month, and will begin to decline each month after.

Tucker reported that one of the city’s trailers was down. Tucker also made a request to purchase a six-foot rotary motor for the City.

Police Department: Chief Bob Myers said the department was short-staffed for the past week due to illnesses.

Chief Myers reported that officers have been working cases, and some cases are still in the process of going through court.

Chief Myers provided an update on recently purchased mobile cad units. He informed that the department is still waiting for pedestals for the units, but is expected to have them installed within the next couple of weeks.

Chief Myers also requested that a discussion be held at a later date with City Attorney Tommy Coleman in regard to completion of camera system installations.

Fire Department: Chief Josh Merritt reported that there were no fire calls for the month of July.

Chief Merritt said the firefighters attended a Due Regard Class on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022.

He informed that the department was current on training hours, and that an ISO inspection had also been performed a few months ago. Chief Merritt said results from the inspection are delayed, but the department should know by year end what the new score will be.

Chief Merritt also informed that he was in the process of getting quotes to fix leaks in the roof.

Water/Sewer Department: Josh Merritt gave an update on the progress of the bar screen project. Merritt informed that the 10 percent has been paid to the contractor, and that the engineer has been conferring with the contractor in regard to submittals.

Merritt reported that there have been no major issues with lift stations. Merritt said the treatment plant blower went out, and a backup replacement was on hand and will be installed in a few days.

Public Works Department: Public Works Superintendent Antoyo Tucker was asked to approach the podium. Councilman Wilson asked Tucker if they were spraying for mosquitos. Tucker informed that they were in the process of beginning to use pellets.

After discussion, the Council advised Tucker to continue to use spray.

Old business  

Councilman Castleberry made a motion to discuss old business, and Councilman Johnson seconded. The motion passed. Councilman Cheatum advised that information in regard to the bar screen update had already been reported by Merritt. No further information was presented.

Brushy Creek Road update

Councilman Cheatum said a Brushy Creek Road Resurfacing Project update will be given after further conversing with Mayor Jackson.

New business – Metal shelters for Sparks City Park

Councilman Castleberry made a motion to discuss new business, and Councilman Pewee seconded. The motion passed.

Councilman Cheatum said discussion regarding erecting of metal shelters for Sparks City Park will be given after further conversing with Mayor Jackson.

Adel Councilman Paige addresses Sparks Council

A visitor, Adel City Councilman Gregory Paige, was granted permission to approach the podium. Paige said Councilman Lamar Sutton did not have a conversation with him in Savannah, or during any other time, as alleged in a previous Sparks Council meeting.

COVID relief for water bills

Councilman Castleberry made a motion to use the COVID Relief Fund to pay one water bill for each resident of Sparks. Councilman Cheatum advised to table the motion until further discussion with the Mayor and City Attorney.

Council Pewee made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Johnson seconded. The meeting was adjourned.