Comer seeks new engineering firm

After receiving a surprise bill from the firm of Carter and Sloope from three years ago, the city council decided to drop them and seek a new city engineer.

Council members expressed serious dissatisfaction with their billing procedures. Public Works Director Willis Gabriel was instructed to ask for hourly rates from at least three different firms from which the council will choose a new city engineer. The city has no standing contract with Carter and Sloope and does not pay them an annual retainer.

The council decided to abandon plans for new speed breakers in the city. Police Chief Brent Zellner told the members that recent enforcement efforts are paying off and the problem of excessive speed on city streets has improved. A number of citizens had signed petitions asking for speed bumps, but problems with paving contracts and objections by other citizens led the council to drop the idea.

The learning center is in need of serious repair to the roof, bathrooms and water fountain. The city will explore the possibility of installing a metal roof on the building.

The Comer Police Department will host a Georgia Safety Conference at the new travel museum Dec. 9. Activities will include a training session, a meal and a scheduled road check.

A request by Eddie Hatcher to provide pony rides at the Comer Christmas Festival was approved. Rides will be available to children in front of the city’s Red Barn before and after the parade. Work is underway to replace the stolen white deer that form the main Christmas display for the city.