VALDOSTA—The Remerton City Council moved closer Monday evening to Better Hometown status for the city with the decision to hire a downtown manager and move forward with the water plan.

Bill Kent of ASA Engineering informed the council and citizens in attendance that he had received bids on the water looping and tie-in to Valdosta’s water system, and recommended council approve the low bid of $277,307.75 submitted by Standard Contractors. Council accepted Kent’s recommendation in a 5-0 vote.

Kent stated that the next step in the process will be to execute a contract with Standard Contractors, then hold a pre-construction meeting. Construction is scheduled to begin March 1. Kent stated that there are still a couple easements to be obtained, but is optimistic the project can be completed within the original 60 day estimate.

Interim City Manager Mike Terrell said he had reviewed all applications for renewal of alcohol licenses for Remerton businesses and recommended they all be approved. Council voted unanimously to re-approve the alcohol licenses for Flip Flops, Barberitos, Mulligans, CJ’s, Charlie O’Corley’s, Tight Ends, Masato, Milltown Groove, and JAKS Cantina/Library.

Council approved ASA Engineering to work with Remerton’s Downtown Development Authority on redeveloping the Old Mill property. Andrea Desantiago of the Regional Development Center explained that the terms of the grant being sought by the DDA require a preliminary engineer’s report before grant funds can be released to the DDA. Once the grant is secured, the DDA and ASA Engineering can proceed with plans to renovate the property.

Utilities Director Ron Woods requested that council take action to secure a back up garbage truck in case anything happens to the one truck Remerton currently uses. Remerton had been relying on the firm that collects Hahira’s garbage, but that city recently outsourced its garbage collection to a different firm.

If something happens to the existing truck, Remerton would have no way to empty its dumpsters, Woods stated. Council voted to get estimates to repair a back up truck Remerton owns that needs repairs before it will be serviceable again.

Terrell presented the results of a search for noise monitoring

equipment to be used in crafting and enforcing Remerton’s revised noise ordinance. He recommended council accept the low bid by Occupational Health Dynamics for $4,372. Council voted 4-1 in favor, with Council member Sherry Wood casting the opposing vote.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Jessica Freeman told council the DDA requested that council proceed with hiring a part-time downtown manager so that projects such as achieving Better Hometown designation, plans for a Remerton festival, and similar projects won’t have to be put on hold. Council approved the request, reversing an earlier decision to forgo hiring a downtown manager taken during their January retreat.