Hinesville City Council approved designs for a new Bojangles’ restaurant Thursday.

A Bojangles’ representative said, in response to a question from Mayor Jim Thomas, that the new restaurant would open as soon as possible. It will be located at the intersection of West Oglethorpe Highway and Carter Street.

Thursday’s meeting was the last for Thomas, District 1 councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Charles Frasier and District 3 Councilman David Anderson Sr. as the year — and their terms — draw to a close.

Thomas thanked everyone for supporting him over the last eight years. Anderson had been on the council for 16 years, and Frasier for
28 years.

The other council members reflected on their relationships with the men throughout their own terms, focusing on mentorship, inside jokes and respecting one another even when they did not always agree.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new mayor and council members will be Jan. 4.

Bars can now close later Saturday nights

Ordinance 2015-04 was adopted at the last council meeting; however, an effective date was not established. The council voted to make the ordinance effective Thursday. The ordinance allows businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol to do so until 3 a.m. Monday through Sunday. Before that ordinance took effect, businesses had to stop selling alcohol at midnight Saturday.

Wastewater-treatment plant changes

The council approved a contract of no more than $80,580 for remaining construction testing on the wastewater plant between the city and a new contractor, Terracon. Paul Simonton with P.C. Simonton and Associates, who presented the item to the council, said the current testing with Whitaker Labs was going over budget and it was difficult to coordinate with Whitaker on the project.

He also asked that the council approve a change order for an additional $24,638 to Petticoat-Schmitt Inc. because of changes to the project caused by discoveries during construction. Simonton added that the council had budgeted for contingencies, so the change order was still in its budget.

The council also approved an additional change order for $5,000 that would bring the contract total up to $14,218,175.

Simonton said in response to a question from Thomas that the project was between 35 percent and 40 percent done. The contractors are 50 days behind but have not requested any extensions, Simonton said.

Grant applications

Two grant applications were approved to be sent to the Walmart Foundation’s Community Grant Program on behalf of the Hinesville Police and Fire departments. The Police Department wanted to purchase 50 backpacks with school supplies for a total of $2,500, and the Fire Department wanted to purchase 61 Cosco Scenera Convertible Car Seats along with 60 pool noodles (to help with the fitting process) for a total of $2,499.

De-annexation

The council also approved the de-annexation of four parcels that sit between West 15th Street and West Highway 196 in west Hinesville.

Recognition

Several public works employees with CH2M were recognized for their work to stop the sewage spill that occurred Nov. 30. Thomas said the men worked very hard for eight hours to stop the spill “so that we wouldn’t suffer the consequences here in the city.”

Appointments

The following people were appointed to local boards and committees:

Councilman Jason Floyd’s appointment to the Grievance and Appeals Committee — Helen Stripling.

Frasier’s appointment to the Personnel Board — Kimbla Combs.

Councilman Kenneth Shaw’s appointment to the Personnel Board: Brigitte Cabeza-Shanken (reappointed).

Thomas’ appointment to the Liberty County Development Authority: Brian Smith (reappointed).