Comer approves 3% raises for full-time employees

The council voted unanimously in favor of the action at its Jan. 5 meeting.

In other business, council heard from Tim Holloway of Georgia Metal Finishing Inc. on Hwy. 172 at Madico Park. Holloway requested city sewer service for his business and the council unanimously approved the request.

The council approved Kevin Booth as Mayor Pro Tem. They also approved the following council member committee assignments: Booth, streets and sidewalks; Melissa Yarbrough, parks and sanitation; Howard Threlkeld, water and sewer; and Laquita Bridges, police.

The council tabled a request by Comer Baptist Church to rezone their lot at 2071 Madison Street from R-1 to R-2. Zoning administrator Jim Baird noted that the property currently exists as a non-conforming use and he recommended the county approve the request, the meeting minutes stated. Two people spoke in favor of the rezoning, while three spoke against it. The matter will be considered again at the council’s February meeting.

The council unanimously approved a separate request by Barbara Bendzunas to rezone her lot at 11 Gholston Street from R-1 to BR to operate a business at the location.

Beth McGraw addressed the council and expressed gratitude for new “Stop” and “Children at Play” signs in Royal Oaks Subdivision. She said the Royal Oaks Homeowners Association is creating a web site and would like to be informed of special events to be added to their site calendar.

The council set 2009 election qualifying fees at three percent of elected officials’ salaries. The group heard an update from City Clerk Stephen Sorrells on the status of a city well.

The council met in closed session with attorney Jim Roberts to discuss potential litigation.