At its June 11 meeting, the Midway City Council instructed its attorney — for the second time — to begin mediation of its years-old disagreement with the Liberty County Development Authority over shared water and wastewater services.

Mayor Dr. Clemontine Washington told the council that attorney James Coppage, who was retained in October to represent Midway in the negotiations, asked for information and documents to be used in meetings with LCDA attorney Kelly Davis.

“Why is he still asking for documents . . . Council has voted to go to mediation . . . The decision has been made,” Councilman Terry Doyle said.

In May, the council voted unanimously to start mediation with the development authority, and that decision was reiterated unanimously June 11.

Last year, a task force with LCDA members and Midway asked the city to waive $3,000 in late fees owed by the authority, but the council turned that down in October.

Task-force documents at that time showed the LCDA owed $2,353,476 to Midway, including impact fees, but the figure was negotiated to $286,851.

Midway owed at least $52,857 to the authority.

In other business, the council approved, 2-1, the site plan for a Family Dollar store following a presentation by the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission and discussion with property owners and others. Doyle and Mayor Pro Tempore Curtes Roberts voted yes, while Levern Clancy voted no. Melice Gerace was absent.

Also on June 11, the council discussed a possible Coastal Incentive Grant to be used for the Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretative Center. Midway is eligible for up to $29,000 in grant funds, but city officials are concerned about meeting the local match that requires both cash and in-kind services. Council members are reviewing the scope of the project and a possible budget revision.

Doyle said he was seeking a meeting with County Administrator Joey Brown to discuss the county’s animal-control ordinance. Georgia has a new law on vicious dogs, and local jurisdictions are expected to change their laws to conform. Midway will consider using a revised county ordinance as a model for its own law. Doyle, who has reported several dog attacks to the council, believes Midway’s current law is inadequate.

The next council meeting is at 6 p.m. Monday, July 9, in the courtroom of the Midway Police Department on Highway 84.