Hinesville City Council will decide Feb. 6 whether to adopt an ordinance which will encourage police to issue citations for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana rather than make arrests.
If passed, the ordinance, No. 2020-01, will amend Chapter 12, Article V of the city’s code regarding public morals.
The public can check out the ordinance at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall during normal business hours. The council will vote on the ordinance during its first February meeting, which begins at 3 p.m.
In other business:
City council improved an increase of monthly probation supervision fees from $30 to $35. It will still match the lowest fees charged in the area, according to officials.
Melissa McCallar of the Youth Council Advisory Board is no longer able to serve on the Council, leaving an open position.
The Council voted to approve Pastor Richard Hayes for the position.
The Council was due to elect the mayor pro tempore, but the process was questioned by Councilmember Vicky Nelson and the council decided to hold a work session to discuss appointments. Mayor Pro Tems serve four year terms and perform the mayor’s duties when the mayor is not present.
Luke Moses was appointed as Hinesville’s representative on the Liberty County Development Authority Board. The previous representative, Brian Smith, was up for reappointment, but after some discussion, Moses was chosen after being nominated by Nelson. It was briefly mentioned by Councilmember Karl Riles changes should be made to how the City Council makes appointments. He suggested candidate profiles be brought before the Council for review before appointments be made.
Sarah Lumpkin was reappointed as City Clerk–Treasurer.
The decision was quick and unanimous.
The City Council approved the Liberty Transit Title VI Plan Resolution #2019-35 and its submission to the Georgia Department of Transportation. The plan, which was discussed during a December meeting, must be approved every three years.
Council accepted the Hinesville Police Department’s recommendation to purchase three 2020 Dodge Ram vehicles for the budgeted amount is $73,500 and four 2020 Dodge Durangos for the budgeted amount of $100,000.
The vehicles will be used as patrol vehicles starting in 2020. The bid for the vehicles was awarded to Liberty Chrysler in Hinesville.
A requested 2020 alcohol beverage license for The Big Apple was approved.
The establishment has had previous incidents, some requiring police presence, but the Council was assured by establishment security they are taking steps to improve its security.