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By Sarah Brown – Managing Editor

The Cordele City Commission met on Tuesday January 16, 2023 at 9am at the Cordele City Hall Courtroom with Chairman Joshua Deriso, Commissioner Vest Beal Shepard, Commissioner Isaac H. Owens, Commissioner Royce Reeves, Sr., Commissioner Wesley Rainey and City attorney, Tommy Coleman in attendance. The meeting started with executive session for legal and personnel. After executive session they went into a public hearing in regards to Odom Pool Room being approved for their alcohol license. It was brought to the commissions attention by Police Chief Jalon Heard the large crowds and safety issues that have been occurring at the business. Video surveillance was shown of the crowds and people crossing the street all over the intersection. The owner Hubbard Odom spoke along with his son in regards to the business saying that they originally intended for the Pool Room to be a place for older folks to come play pool. Mr.Odom mentioned that he had transferred the leadership of the Pool Room to his nephew and that is when the issues started to occur. It was decided in the meeting that they are to put together a business plan, and come up with a percentage of alcohol sales that collect. The percentage of alcohol sales will determine if there is a need for security based on an ordinance the city has created. Additionally, they claim to have been selling hot dogs and sausage dogs without the proper licensing, this will need to be addressed and the business reviewed by the health department to ensure they have the proper equipment and training to serve food to the public. We can expect a call meeting in regards to this in the coming weeks.

We then heard from the department heads; Fire Chief Todd Alligood said that with the cold weather if you have a space heater ensure that it is 3-5 feet away from any curtains, clothing and anything else that could catch on fire. He went through the goals for 2024 that include repairing, patching and painting Station 2, increasing shift personnel from 7 to 9, purchasing two conex shipping containers for live fire training, and looking into building a third station, these are just a few of their goals for 2024. Police Chief Jalon Heard gave the codes goals and accomplishments, they have created a new yellow door hanger for citations. Code Department and Police Department will be coming out with their goals for 2024 at the first meeting in February. The Police Department has a few events scheduled like coffee with a cop and a bingo at Woodvale Apartments. Additionally, Chief Heard brought forward Eddie Thomas, who will be retiring after 50 years of policing/police training.

Agenda Items:

Agenda item number one was to consider and approve the alcohol license for Aj’s at 305 South 7^th Street, Cordele, GA. The license is for beer and wine consumed off premises. Police Chief Heard reviewes the application on November 2, 2023. This item was, moved, seconded and approved, but not unanimously as Commissioner Rainey said no.

Agenda item number two was to approve an event permit for a family event – Barbeque Competition Cook-Off with entertainment on at 105 East 9^th Avenue, Cordele, GA on February 10, 2024 from 9:00AM-9:00PM. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number three was the second reading of an ordinance establishing the reduction from monthly pay received by the Chairman and members of the Commission for any absence from a regular city commission meeting without just cause; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith; and for other purposes. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously for a 10% deduction.

Agenda item number four was the second reading of an ordinance amending the City Code of the City of Cordele to provide for placement of solid waste near a city right of way; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith; and for other purposes. This item failed for a lack of vote.

Agenda item number five was the second reading of an ordinance requiring security for establishments providing on premise consumption of alcohol; repealing all ordinances on conflict herewith; and for other purposes. There was some confusion with this ordinance and it was requested by a commissioner to clarify in the ordinance that businesses are required to provide proof that 50% of their gross sales are alcohol in order to require security. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number six was the second reading of an ordinance amending ordinance no. 2023-02 to provide for a regulatory fee for food trucks; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith; and for other purposes. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number seven was the second reading of an ordinance amending the City Code of the City of Cordele to provide regulation of Pool Rooms, Game Rooms, and Billiard Halls; providing for an application; providing for violation and ground for revocation of a license; prohibiting gambling; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith; and for other purposes. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number eight was to consider and approve 2024 LMIG projects. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number nine was to consider and approve the request for items listed from the executive department to be declared surplus and to allow the City of Cordele to dispose of the surplus items via GovDeals.com. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number ten was to consider and approve a resolution: City of Cordele urban redevelopment plan. This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Agenda item number eleven was to consider and approve license renewals. With no exception noted. . This item was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Beer and Wine on premises: Tri-County Seafood 401 S. Pecan St.

Beer and consumed on premises: Michelle’s

Liquor by the drink: Michelle’s 908 E. 16^th Ave. Suite A & B.