Comer rejects DOT offer

The DOT plans to move Hwy. 72 north of the city as part of the plan to finish the expansion of the road to a four-lane super highway connecting Athens and Elberton. The Comer council made it clear they have no interest in assuming maintenance of the heavily traveled street.

In other matters July 12, Brian Taylor of QSI reported to the council on his company’s computer services. The city is using an outdated computer with no reliable data backup. The system he is offering uses the latest equipment and software with frequent updates and includes off-site backup of all data, assuring that any computer failure would not result in loss of city records. The council asked for more time to study the offer and promised an answer soon.

Progress is being made on the city’s new travel museum. The council agreed to spend $1,100 to restore and enlarge a collection of old pictures for use in the museum.

Public Works director Willis Gabriel reported that the two aerator pumps approved at the last meeting have been delivered and he plans to test them this week to make sure they are working properly before scheduling their installation in the city treatment pond. The city paid $3,000 for the used pumps. New pumps of the same design would have cost $12,000. The pumps will assure that the city water treatment plant will meet all state requirements for several years into the future.

In other action: the council approved funds for two upcoming water training programs and conferences in Athens and Helen. They heard a report that well number three has been refurbished, tested and approved for use. It will go on line this week.

Traffic signs around Comer Elementary School have been relocated in order to improve traffic flow around the school.

City workers will be cautioned to complete their tree limb chipping route before going back to streets alread