During the regular meeting of the Hinesville Mayor and Council, held July 16, the City amended their mask mandate to be more in compliance with Governor Brian Kemp’s Executive Order. City leaders plan to encourage the use of masks inside City Hall and will continue educational campaigns on how masks are helpful in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

The Mayor and Council approved to amend the City Code for the appointment of Prosecuting Attorney of the Municipal Court. Mayor and Council had discussed the changes during their July 2 meeting.

The change will allow the City to hire a qualified individual who is either a resident of the judicial circuit in which the municipal court is located, or a qualified individual who has a law office or principal place of business within the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. The Mayor and Council believe opening the Prosecuting Attorney’s position to otherwise qualified individuals who are nonresidents of the Atlantic Judicial District but who have a law office or principal place of business located in the Atlantic Judicial Circuit will result in an increased volume of qualified applicants for the Prosecuting Attorney position, and guarantee continuity and stability of all Municipal Court operations

The motion was passed unanimously.

Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission Executive Director Jeff Ricketson presented the final draft to amend the City’s off premise alcohol distance ordinance so that it matches the order of the state of Georgia. This item will be voted on at the next Council meeting.

Mayor and Council approved the purchase self-contained breathing apparatus for the Hinesville Fire Department to replace equipment that will no longer be supported by older replacement parts. The lower bid was from Draeger for $226,165.55. At the next meeting Mayor and Council will need to vote to allow the City’s Financial Officer to sign the lease agreement for the three year loan that will be used to finance the payment.

Mayor and Council approved to amend the ESG Professional Services Agreement so that it includes the additional scope of work as outlined in the Intergovernmental Service Agreement signed July 4 between the City and Army for lawn service on Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield.

T. R. Long was awarded $71,130 for Engineering and Design services for associated transit improvements and authorized City Manager Kenneth Howard to enter into contract negotiation.

The Mayor and Council approved the re-appointment of Manishkumar S. Patel to the Citizens Sign Appeals Board.

The Mayor and Council approved a Peddler’s License to Adam Grimes of Smart Homes Pros, so they may go door-to-door to sell home security systems.