The Waycross City Commission added to its tax revenue last week by approving the sale of a parcel of land on City Boulevard.
The resolution accepting the bid on the near two-acre parcel was among two approved by commissioners Tuesday, February 3 during their bi-monthly meeting in City Hall. They also approved the first reading of an ordinance in the 30minute session.
Commissioners also approved the renewal of a privilege license for Gooey’s Pizza, recognized Public Works staffer Cyrus Taylor as Employee of the Month for February, and heard from Police Chief Tommy Cox crime in the city continues to decrease year over year.
City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said their will be a renewed focus on security at City Hall following recent confrontations and incidents of abuse against staff.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James conducted the 30minute proceeding attended by all five commissioners. There was an executive session for personnel matters after the regular meeting.
Resolutions
Commissioners accepted the bid of $17,900 from Svetlana Pavlyuchenko for the 1.96acre tract among the city’s inventory of property. The bid was the asking price, Purchasing Director Mamie Jackson said.
Commissioner William Simmons asked if the buyer had conveyed plans for the property. Jackson said Pavlyuchenko, a subcontractor with more than two decades of experience in property development, had targeted the property for single family homes.
The other resolution moved the Waycross Fire Department’s “Jaws of Life” rescue equipment to surplus status for sale o govdeals.com. The department purchased a new device earlier this year to replace the 1988 model, Jackson said.
Ordinance
The measure approved amending the language in the oath of office for police officers to reflect updated language approved by the state. It also allows the chief of police to administer the oath.
Chief Cox said the oath now include “faithfully, fairly and without malice” in execution of the duties of officers. Currently, the City Attorney or City Clerk will deliver the oath of office to new officers.
The ordinance will be enacted upon receiving the required second reading at the commission’s next meeting.
Employee of Month Taylor has been employed by the city for 19 years and currently serves as a truck driver for the department’s leaf and limb collection detail.
“His work is critical to keeping our streets clear, safe, and accessible by ensuring residents’ yard debris is collected efficiently and consistently,” Public Works Director Matt Elwell said in introducing the honoree. “Known for being hard-working, dependable, and no-nonsense, Cyrus takes pride in his job. ... His long-term commitment and dedication make a real difference in the daily quality of life for our community.”
City Hall decorum Rayford said City Hall remains a place where residents can visit to seek information or voice a concern. That must be done, however, in a civil and respectful manner to staff.
He said that hasn’t happened in some recent instances, and repeats no longer will be tolerated. Rayford added staff members would always be available to “hear the concern” but arguing back and forth or demeaning and threatening language would lead to swift removal.
