Hinesville is continuing to expand, after city council voted May 4 to annex rezone 28.1 acres off Highway 196 at the request of developer Claude Dryden for another phase of Griffin Park.
The council also approved a separate request by Dryden Enterprises to rezone 9.25 acres from general commercial to multi-family dwelling district for an additional phase of Wyngrove Apartments off Veterans Parkway.
McKesson Stafford said he had a problem with Dryden’s requests, specifically whether Matthew Barrow of P.C. Simonton and Associates, was representing the city or the engineer firm.
The city uses P.C. Simonton and Associates as its engineer firm.
Barrow said any new projects have to be reviewed by the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission and approved by the city.
“We’re removed from the process,” Barrow said “and we certainly have to follow the rules just like anyone else does.”
Mosquito control
ESG Operations, Inc., the city’s new public works department, presented a revamped mosquito control program.
The new plan includes introducing a new insecticide into the spraying rotation, applying a thin liquid mosquito film to the surface of standing water, better communication between the Hinesville control staff and local doctors and vets, and providing tablets to the public to prevent mosquito larvae in standing water.
In other business:
Teams and coaches from Bradwell Institute, Midway Middle School and Lyman Hall Elementary School were honored at the city council meeting for being the state champions and making history at the state Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl.
It was a first in the competition for all three winners at each grade level to come from the same region.
Senior firefighters Marcus Barrett and Corey Bates received commendations for distinguished service for helping to save the life of a woman who went into cardiac arrest.
Mia Hanna, a weightlifter from Team Hinesville’s weight lifting team was recognized by head coach Ryan Burke. Hanna’s accomplishments include being the top lifter in the program, competing at the national level three times, and the only athlete from Team Hinesville and Team Savannah to compete at the national level.
May 4 was Rotary Day and the Rotary Club of Hinesville is celebrating 40 years of service.
Rotary Club President Michelle Ricketson shared the founding of Rotary, its history of Rotary, purpose and highlights of the organization.
The council approved the city’s renewal of their group medical and pharmaceutical insurance plan with Cigna. The rate increased by 7.5 percent.
The rate increase is due to the large medical claims by employees, such as end stage renal disease costing $218,977.43, from March 2016 to February 2017.
City manager Billy Edwards said the city budgeted for an increase of 10 percent, making the city well covered for the rate increase.
The cost of the renewal plan is $30,301.58.
During public comment Joseph Stuart said he was disappointed that he didn’t see more city council members at the Great American Cleanup April 29.
Stuart was asked by council member Vicky Nelson to join the cleanup effort.
He mentioned the irony of cleaning up around city hall when at one time he was barred from city council meetings.
Stuart said he only saw Nelson and council member Diana Reid. He also mentioned how Sharon, Lesa and especially Elaine streets needed cleaning.
Stafford came before city council members again regarding Liberty County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“I’m requesting that between the city, county and Flemington to separate the CVB from the Chamber so that it can give equal publicity for all people instead of those within the chamber,” Stafford said. “Because if you’re not a part of the chamber you don’t get the same exposure if you put on an event as a chamber member.”
Stafford said $1.3 million was earned in local tourism last year and asked how it was used.
Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown suggested Stafford attend the next CVB board meeting to discuss it.